Langar — Food for All, Without Distinction
Community Kitchen & Niyaz Distribution
Langar at Ajmer Sharif Dargah is the sacred tradition of preparing and serving free food to all visitors , regardless of faith, caste, or social status. It is a living example of the Chishti Sufi principle:
“Feeding the hungry is the highest form of worship.”
This tradition, established by Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (R.A.) , continues to embody service, compassion, and spiritual devotion , serving thousands of pilgrims daily.
How Langar Works
Preparation: Food is cooked in the Badi Degh, Choti Degh, and shrine kitchens , following centuries-old recipes.
Distribution: Meals are served in the courtyard or via volunteers, especially during Urs, Ramadan, and other special occasions , when scale increases dramatically.
Inclusivity: Everyone eats together — rich or poor, Muslim or non-Muslim — symbolizing equality, unity, and communal harmony .
Mannat Fulfillment: Many devotees sponsor Langar as a gratitude offering for prayers answered.
Timing
While Langar is served throughout the day, major sessions typically include:
Morning: After Fajr, simple meals like bread, tea, or porridge.
Afternoon: After Zuhr or Asr, cooked meals from the Deghs.
Evening: After Maghrib, lighter meals or sweets.
During Urs & Festivals: Round-the-clock arrangements ensure food is available continuously.
Spiritual Significance
Service to Humanity: Feeding the hungry is considered a path to spiritual merit and divine blessing (Barakah).
Equality & Brotherhood: Pilgrims sit together on the floor, reinforcing the Chishti teaching: “Love towards all, malice towards none.”
Fulfillment of Mannat: Sponsoring Langar allows devotees to honor promises made in heartfelt vows.
Support for the Poor: For many underprivileged visitors, Langar may be the only proper meal of the day.
Manners & Etiquette
Visitors are encouraged to observe the following while participating in Langar:
Cleanliness: Wash hands before and after eating.
Humility: Sit on the ground as a sign of equality.
Intention: Eat with the intention of receiving Barakah and praying for donors.
Gratitude: Say Bismillah before and Alhamdulillah after the meal.
No Wastage: Take only what you can eat.
Service Spirit: Volunteer to serve others, increasing the blessing of your participation.
Respect: Maintain decorum and avoid loud conversation.
How to Contribute or Volunteer
De votees wishing to support Langar at Ajmer Sharif can coordinate directly with Syed Hammad ul Hasan or the Mashrabe Chisht charitable trust .
Donations: Funds may be contributed for daily meals, festival Langars, or as part of fulfilling a Mannat.
Volunteering: Individuals or groups can participate in preparation, service, and distribution under supervision.
Purpose: Your support helps sustain the centuries-old tradition of feeding thousands, serving humanity, and spreading blessings .
“Through Langar, every contribution and act of service becomes a living expression of devotion, gratitude, and communal harmony at Ajmer Sharif.”