The Sikh tradition of langar—serving free vegetarian meals to anyone regardless of religion or background—has caught the attention of Swedish social anthropologist Dr. Annika Winell. Based at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, she has been researching how this centuries-old practice fosters compassion and cross-cultural understanding in Malaysia’s diverse society.
The langar is a daily ritual in Sikh temples (known as gurdwaras) across Malaysia, including the notable Gurdwara Sahib in Kuala Lumpur, where hundreds are fed each day. Volunteers of all backgrounds take part in cooking, serving, and cleaning—an embodiment of the Sikh values of equality, humility, and service.
According to The Star, Dr. Winell describes langar as “a quiet, powerful practice that brings people together,” and sees it as an example of how religious traditions can contribute positively to modern multicultural societies.
Originally from Sweden, Dr. Winell first encountered the langar during a visit to India but chose Malaysia for her fieldwork because of its rich cultural mix. Her research shows how langar bridges ethnic and religious divides, offering not just food but also dignity and solidarity.
Dr. Winell’s study is part of a growing academic interest in how traditional practices like langar can promote social cohesion in increasingly diverse and urbanised societies. She hopes her work can also help non-Sikhs and international observers better understand the role of religious charity in Southeast Asia.
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