Team Herald
PANJIM: Devotees who travelled to Old Goa for the Novena of St Francis Xavier were in for a treat this year, with a group of Sikh youth offering up langar- freshly cooked food, free of cost – championing their commitment to multiculturalism and service to humanity.
With Sikh volunteers constantly frying fresh samosas and vegetable pakoras, and the aroma of their fragrant masala chai wafting around the square, it wasn’t long before exhausted devotees began flocking to the stall for a snack.
Warm conversations ensued, and several Catholic families joined hands with the Sikh youth, to man the stalls and serve the hungry people queuing up.
“It’s a tradition in Sikhism, to serve food at all kinds of gatherings- be it religious, cultural or social events, langar is organised to feed everyone across caste and religion lines. Sikhism teaches us not to see any differences among communities, and so, it makes no difference to us whether this is a Catholic celebration or a Sikh one. We wanted to serve our people and share our love and friendship through this small langar,” said Sandeep Sartaj, President of the Goa Sikh Youth.
Sartaj believes this is the first time a langar has been hosted at a Church, and the group plans to host another, with a wider menu, on December 3, the day of the Feast.
“We have lived in Goa for so many years now and have contemplated setting up a langar at the St Francis Xavier Feast, considering the sheer number of people who visit. Not all may be able to buy or carry food for the trip. However, we were not sure how it would be accepted. Then the pandemic hit, and people appreciated the work we did, in serving those who did not have access to food and other essentials,” he said, adding that it helped bridge several gaps between communities, and emboldened them to plan a langar at a church feast.
This is a reflection of the camaraderie and brotherhood between communities in Goa, said Sandeep Mehta, a Sikh volunteer from Navelim.
“We have Goan friends and neighbours who participate in our Sikh festivals, and eat with us; similarly, we visit their homes and parties for Christmas, Easter, Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. It’s a brotherhood that we cherish, and hope to cement with such initiatives,” added Mehta.
While the youth fund these langars themselves, they welcome volunteers who want to pitch in and donations of raw materials as well. “It is a great experience for all of us, and we have a lot of fun working with people from different backgrounds and cultures,” added Mehta.
Several Goans helped the group coordinate the langar, after having worked with them during the Covid lockdowns. “No matter which country or State they live in, the Sikh people take the initiative to help the needy and interact with people of all religions and races. This is very encouraging for our youth, and their service was appreciated by all who visited,” said Arturo D’Souza, who was seen lending a hand at the stall as well.