The Sikh community of Phoenix metro in Arizona is very active in Inter-faith events. For several years, it has been performing Langar Seva (Dinner) during the annual event of "Experience Interfaith" which takes place in Heritage Square, Downtown Phoenix, Arizona in the later part of October. Representing 25 different faiths, the movement has become a great vehicle for Sikh awareness among members of different faiths through their selfless seva of Langar. Usually about 300-500 people belonging to different faiths show up to attend this evening.
Once again this year, on the evening of October 23rd, 2012 for "Experience Interfaith," event, Langar was donated by four Sikh owned restaurants i.e. Guru Palace (Rana Sodhi), India Oven (Sarabjit Singh Pappu), Indian Delhi Place (Harjit Singh Sodhi) and India Palace (Manjinder Singh). Freshly prepared, the items included Saag aaloo, Vegetarian Korma, and Naan as well as Salad, Raita and bottled water. What was interesting this year was the presence of a large contingent of young Sikh members who arrived in large numbers ranging about 40-50, almost one 6th of the entire gathering of 300-500 people to perform the seva of serving Langar. In addition, Sikh children also helped taking care of the shoes during Langar service so that all who came could sit in a traditional Sikh way in rows (Pangats) on floor to enjoy the freshly prepared hot food while Sikh music was played in the back drop. Those who could not sit on floor, chairs were at hand.
Prior to serving the Langar, the general audience was informed about the Sikh faith and their unique tradition of Langar as well as its significance. Invocation was given by few of the faith groups. The author was asked to perform invocation from Sikh perspective. Once the Langar had been served, several groups of 6-8 people were formed including one member from each faith to discuss about a previous chosen topic. Peace at individual level, community level and world level was the chosen topic this year. Every one truly enjoyed the Langar and learned about Sikh faith, Sikh identity and their unique tradition of Langar. At the end everybody thanked Sikhs for their selfless service and hoped to have the same event once again come next year.
The author Dr. Sachdev serves as a Board Member of Arizona Interfaith Movement.