Senior Journalist, Amritsar.
The marriage celebration (Mahashivratri) of Lord Shiva, the creator of the universe, is celebrated worldwide every year. The tradition of langar on this occasion is considered no less than a wedding. On this occasion, a variety of delicious langar is distributed among the devotees. One such langar is held annually on Mahashivratri at Rambagh in Amritsar, Punjab. This langar is organized by the Arora brothers (Krishna Traders). Interestingly, the organizers of this langar belong to every caste (community). This langar is also considered a symbol of Hindu-Sikh-Muslim brotherhood. Furthermore, its echoes are famous far and wide.
..How did they maintain this tradition?
According to the Arora brothers, who run Krishna Traders, they have immense faith in Lord Shiva. They have been fortunate to be connected to this faith since childhood. When they entered the business, they began devoting a portion of their earnings to religious causes from the very first day. A few years ago, they developed a desire to organize a langar every year for Lord Shiva (Mahashivratri). To this end, the shop’s employees, including Riyaz (Muslim), Mukesh Kumar (Hindu-Brahmin community), and Akash Singh (Sikh community), also decided to contribute to this auspicious cause. Then, the annual langar tradition began.
What’s special about the langar? We’ll understand in this report…?
According to the Arora brothers, special arrangements are made for preparing the langar. Special arrangements are made for bhature-chana and cold drinks. A sweet dish is prepared in a karaah. The langar continues from morning until late evening. Various types of fruits and vegetables are offered to the Lord. A special feature is that on this occasion, a group of priests also sing praises of Bholenath. The echoes of bhajans and kirtans can be heard by every devotee throughout the day. Women especially contribute during the distribution of langar.
”By the grace of Allah, I had the opportunity to serve in the langar on the occasion of Mahashivratri. I felt very good. Since childhood, my father taught me to respect all religions. In our village, Hindu and Muslim families live together harmoniously. We participate in each other’s celebrations and share the food. That’s where I learned to respect all religions.”
”Riyaz”
”I have been working as an employee at the Arora brothers’ place for the past few years. I hail from Uttar Pradesh. They have always treated me like a part of their family. I never let my state and family go unnoticed. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve at the langar. Today, my life has become a great success. I will continue to stand with the faith of the Arora family in the future.”
Mukesh Kumar (Brahmin community)
”I have had the opportunity to work at many places in my life. I never understood my life’s goal. No employer even spoke to me with love. Ever since I’ve been working for the Arora brothers, I’ve felt a sense of life. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with love as well as with the faith in God, something I never imagined. Although I’m a Sikh, here I had the unique experience of connecting with the thoughts of Lord Shiva and contributing to the langar on a major festival like Mahashivratri.”
”Aakash Singh (Sikh)”