In a remarkable display of interfaith solidarity, the Guru Nanak Durbar Gurdwara in Dubai has announced plans to serve 5,000 meals in a traditional ‘langar’ at the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir (temple) in Abu Dhabi. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, marks the inauguration of the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple.
The langar, a community service tradition in Sikhism where free meals are provided to people regardless of their religion or nationality, will be served in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.
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Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Gurudwara committee, highlighted the significance of the langar tradition, emphasizing that no one should go hungry. The gesture symbolizes a warm welcome to the new addition to the multi-faith community and expresses gratitude to the UAE authorities for their inclusive and tolerant approach to all religions.
Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, expressed appreciation for the gesture, stating that it exemplifies the sense of oneness promoted by the BAPS. He emphasized that such gestures strengthen interfaith understanding and acceptance, citing the UAE Government’s efforts in promoting tolerance and harmony among different faiths.
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The langar meals are renowned for embodying values of kindness, humanity, and generosity of spirit, making them popular symbols of communal harmony. Swami Brahmaviharidas expressed confidence that the UAE’s commitment to promoting interfaith tolerance will lead to more occasions where different faiths collaborate to strengthen peace and goodwill for all.
