Golden Temple Amritsar Langar Hall is the world’s largest free kitchen, known as Guru Ram Das Langar Hall. Located inside the sacred complex of Sri Harmandir Sahib, this community kitchen serves simple, vegetarian food to lakhs of people every day, all without charge.
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What is Langar at the Golden Temple?
Langar at the Golden Temple is a free community kitchen called Guru Ram Das Langar, located inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. It is open to all people — rich or poor, from any religion or country — and serves simple, vegetarian food at no cost.
Named after the 4th Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, the langar follows the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and was organized by Guru Amar Das Ji, the 3rd Guru. The idea is to promote equality, humility, and selfless service (seva).
Today, it is the largest free kitchen in the world, feeding over 100,000 people every single day — all seated together, showing that no one is higher or lower in the eyes of God.
“Pehle Pangat, Paschhe Sangat” — First, eat together. Then, pray together.
What Are the Golden Temple Langar Timings?
The Langar Hall is open 24 hours — all day and night. Food is always being cooked and served. You can come anytime and have a free meal.
Tip: If you want to avoid the crowd, try going early in the morning (3 AM to 6 AM) or afternoon (3 PM to 5 PM).
What Food is Served in Langar?
All food is vegetarian, simple, and healthy. It’s made fresh many times a day.
Here’s what you may get:
- Roti (Indian bread)
- Mix Dal (lentils)
- Sabzi (vegetables)
- Sweet Rice, Jalebi or Kheer (sweet dish) on special days
- Clean drinking water or sometimes buttermilk
You can eat as much as you want, but it’s important not to waste food.
Tea and Snacks Outside Langar Hall
Apart from the main meal, you can also find:
- Tea or Raas (light herbal drink)
- Biscuits, Pakoras, or Mathris (small snacks)
These are usually given at the front side of the Langar Hall entrance, especially in the early morning or evening. These snacks and tea are also given free.
Where is the Langar Hall?
Once you enter the Golden Temple from the Clock Tower Gate, go straight, and the Langar Hall is on the left side, near the end of the parikrama (round walking path). There are signs, and you can also ask a sevadar (volunteer) for help.
How to Eat at Langar – Step by Step
- Remove shoes and keep them in the free shoe house (Jora Ghar)
- Cover your head (scarves are available for free)
- Wash your hands
- Bring the steel plate, a spoon, and the small water pot with you when you enter the langar hall.
- Stand in line if there is a queue
- Sit on the floor with others (this is called Pangat)
- Accept food with both hands and eat with respect
- After eating, keep your plate and utensils at the cleaning area.
How is Langar Made?
- There are two big kitchens working all the time
- Food is made in very large pots by volunteers (called sewadars)
- There is also a chapati-making machine that works automatically.
- About 5,000 people can eat at one time
- Plates are cleaned 5 times before being used again
- Everything runs on donations and volunteer help
Even simple things like cutting vegetables or serving water are done by people like you and me — as seva (selfless service).
Can I Help or Donate?
Yes! Anyone can help. You can:
- Serve food
- Wash dishes
- Clean the floor
- Donate grains, vegetables, oil, or money
Even a few minutes of your time is a big help. It’s also a very peaceful and spiritual experience.
Videos to Watch
Want to see how it works? Watch these:
Related Guides
Final Words
The Langar at the Golden Temple is more than a meal — it’s an experience of love, kindness, and sharing. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth, don’t miss sitting down for a meal here. It may be the most peaceful moment of your trip.