Langar stands as the lifeblood of Sikh communal spirit—plain and simple, everyone eats together without distinction. The Sikh Rehat Maryada lays out a clear playbook to keep this priceless tradition running smoothly:

• Universal welcome: Doors stay wide open. No fees, no special invites—anyone who walks in, whether a tech mogul or a traveler stranded by fate, sits shoulder to shoulder at the same bench.
• Vegetarian menu only: Meat, fish, eggs and intoxicants are strictly off the table, ensuring respect for all faiths and easing logistics. Staples like dal, sabzi and roti remain the norm, served with a side of warmth.
• Volunteer-driven engine: Seva (selfless service) powers every station—cooking, cleaning, serving. The Maryada insists on rotation, so no single hand grows tired, and humility gets its daily workout.
• Committee oversight: A management team—often the Gurdwara committee or Panj Pyare—oversees funds, food purchases and hygiene. Financial transparency is key: donations must be recorded and used solely for langar or community aid.
• Hygiene and order: Fresh uniforms, covered hair, regular handwashing and separate utensils for raw and cooked items steer clear of mishaps. Kitchens mirror hospital standards more than home kitchens, especially after the pandemic spotlighted public-health pitfalls.
• No discrimination policy: No VIP lines. No religious lectures in the hall. Just shared plates, shared stories and shared laughter. The Maryada guards this against any slip into hierarchy or preaching agendas.
• Emergency response role: When floods hit Punjab or wildfires rage elsewhere, langar units spring into action—fuelled by Maryada’s call for relief work, illustrating how the same rules that govern daily kitchens adapt to disaster zones.

This framework keeps langar both timeless and timely, honoring a centuries-old vow of equality while feeding millions each year as modern crises unfold.