Langar (the communal meal)

The word langar means literally kitchen. In Sikhism it is often used in the phrase "Gur ka Langar" which refers to the Guru's kitchen. However the true meaning is closer to sacred food service, or divine dining.

History:-
The institution of the Sikh langar, or free kitchen, was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It was designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status, a revolutionary concept in the caste-ordered society of 16th-century India where Sikhism began. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "...the Light of God is in all hearts."
After the Second Sikh Guru, the institution of langar seems to have changed, somewhat, and meat seems to have been excluded from this institution. The reason cited for this by historians is the accommodation of Vaishnavite members of the community

Details:-
Sikhism emphasises community services and helping the needy. One of the distinct features of Sikhism is the common kitchen called Langar.
In every Gurdwara there is a Langar. Every Sikh is supposed to contribute in preparing a communal meal in the free kitchen. The meals are served to all and are eaten sitting on the floor, as this is to emphasize the point that all who are there are equals. Sikhism does not believe in holding fasts, for the body is God's present to the human being; and therefore humans must foster, maintain and preserve it in good, sound condition, unless fasting is done to foster the human.

Every Gurdwara has a Langar attached to it where food is served to anyone without charge. The term Langar is also used for the communal meal served at the Gurdwaras.
The food served in the Langar must be simple, so as to prevent wealthy congregations turning it into a feast that shows off their superiority.
Although Sikhs are not required to be vegetarian, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwaras. This ensures that any visitor to the Gurdwara, whatever the dietary restrictions of their faith, can eat in the Langar.
The meal may include chapati (Roti), Dal (pulses), vegetables and rice pudding. Fish and eggs are counted as meat and excluded.

Importance of Amritvela in Sikhism

Amritvela:-

Amritvela means ambrosial i.e early morning hours, auspicious time. It is after midnight to before sunrise i.e. fourth part of the night, daybreak, 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. It ends with the sunrise. This is the best time for Doing Naam Jap, the spiritual practices. Any time God’s name is recited, is Naam Jap time.

Every time is Naam Jap time. Any time when there is no disturbance to cause distraction, is good for remembering God. The early morning hours are particularly recommended. There is almost n noise pollution at that time, and the mind is fresh and calm.

You can adjust Naam Jaap Time into your daily routine according to your convenience. The best time for it is when you can and do it. Due to calmness at that time, Amritvala (early morning) is considered best for remembering God. And there must be some other spiritual or divine reason why Guru tell us to worship the Lord at early morning, Amritvela.

ਅਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ  || 1-2-5

Amritvela is the practical time for doing Naam Jap. Many practitioners of Naam get up after 2 a.m. and some even soon after midnight. The second best time for Jaap, recitation of the name of God, is the late evening. One is busy with other things at other times. Any time you engage in Naam Jaap, provided it is calm with no distractions, is Amritvela (divine time).

Fix a time for your spiritual pursuits and be regular. Same place and same time set up conditioning of the mind for Naam Jaap, you feel like doing it there at that time. At these times, the practitioners all over engage in remembering God, and their spiritual vibrations are said to help concentration of each other. Earlier you get up in morning, more pull of Naam Jap is there. Any time your mind is calm, is Amritvela. In fact, every time is Naam Jap time.
In the western countries, the word Amritvela has become a proverb and is commonly used in a general sense as “Have you done your Amritvela?” It may mean anything – Jaap, Nit Nem, Asa Di Var (routine devotional singing of the set Hymns in specific meter, in the morning time) etc.

Sikh Ceremonies

Leading Sikh Ceremonies are:

Birth, Betrothal and Amrit – Giving holy drink to induct the person into the Sikh religion, marriage and death.

One may observe some common rites like:

• Celebrating  Pregnancy, Chola (clothing of child).
• Nam-Karan i.e. Naming of child.
• Dastar Bandi – Tying turban the first time.
• Education of Child etc.

There might be some regional ceremonies as well. Sikhs are supposed to keep their ceremonies very simple.