Langar Sewa
Serving Humanity, One Meal at a Time.
Langar represents the community kitchen, where free meals are prepared and served to everyone, regardless of their background, religion, or social status.
Phase I - Main Building (Complete)
The nearly $10 million Sikh Institute of Fresno, a 48,000-square-foot building on 11 acres on North Parkway Drive replaced Gurdwara Singh Sahab on East Dakota Avenue in central Fresno in 2012.
Langar
Langar represents the community kitchen, where free meals are prepared and served to everyone, regardless of their background, religion, or social status. Initiated by Guru Nanak Sahib upon his return to Kartarpur, the tradition was significantly nurtured and expanded by Mata Khivi, the wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji. Mata Khivi played a pivotal role in the establishment and organization of Langar, ensuring that it became a regular, integral part of the Sikh community’s daily life. Her contribution went beyond just managing the kitchen; she infused it with warmth, compassion, and a sense of community, which made Langar not just a meal, but a spiritual and communal experience.
Cornerstone Of Sikhism
As we carry forward this rich tradition, let us strive to make our Gurdwara an exemplary model of what Langar stands for—a place that binds the community together, nourishes our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and serves the needy with dignity, eco-friendly practices, and nutritious, simple meals.
Basic Protocols
When participating in Langar, whether as an attendee or a volunteer, it is important to observe certain etiquette that reflect the values of humility, equality, and respect:
- Serve fresh vegetarian food
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Wear a head covering
- Avoid wastefulness
Let's ensure that the spirit of Langar remains a space of service, community, and spiritual growth for all.
Information about Sponsoring Langar at Gurdwara Sahib:
Below is a list of groceries and the quantity of supplies needed for Sunday Langar only. Langar Sponsoring family can buy the groceries from any place of their choice. Please note Gurdwara does not provide any catering services nor can Langar staff provide or offer any catering services. If the family likes to get the catering services for their program, they can call any local restaurant to get their services. If you would like to volunteer in preparing or serving food or donating food supplies, please contact us or call (559) 285-6001.
Shopping List (serves about 1200 people):
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paper Lunch trays (Do not buy Styrofoam plates) | 3 boxes (1,500 total) |
| Cups (10 oz.) | 2 boxes (2,000 total) |
| Onions | 50 Ib bag (2 bags total) |
| Serrano Green Chilies | 2 boxes |
| Tomato Paste or Puree | 2 gallons |
| Costco Items: | |
| Water bottles (8 oz.) | 16 Cases |
| Milk | 36 gallons |
| Sugar | 50 lbs |
| Salt | 1 Bag |
| Tea Bags | 2 Boxes |
| Garlic | 2 Bags |
| Black Pepper | 1 Jar |
| Soya Cooking Oil | 2 Big cans (35 lbs each) |
| Unsalted Butter | 28 lbs |
| Rice | 50lbs |
| Paper Towel | 1 Box |
| Foil Paper | 1 Big Box |
| Trash Bags (45 gallon) | 1 Box |
| Hand Soap | 1 Gallon |
| Pine Sol | 1 Gallon |
| Toilet Paper | 1 Box |
| Multi Fold Paper Towel (Bathrooms) | 1 Box |
| Dishwasher Detergent | 1 Gallon |
| Ajax | 1 Pack |
| Napkins | 1 Case (4 pack) |
| Spoons | 4 Boxes |
| Plates | 1200 |
| Indian Groceries: | |
| Royal Flour | 6 Bags |
| Parshad Flour (Brown Bag) | 1 Bag |
| Dal | 40 lbs |
| Ginger | 1 Box |
| Haldi | 2 lbs |
| Dhania Power | 2 lbs |
| Jeera | 2 lbs |
| Paprika or Deghi Mirch | 1 Box |
| Black Salt | 2 lbs |
| Green Elaichi | 1 Pack |
| Fennel Seeds | 1 Pack |
| Boondi (Raita) | 2 Pack |
| Kasoori Methi | 1 Box |
| Chunky Chat Masala | 1 Big Box |
| Garam Masala (Blend) | 1 Big Box |