What does Langar mean in Sikhism?

Shabad-ka-Langar: “The word as sacramental food” Equally important is the spiritual food which must be imported to all who come to the Gurdwara for participation in worship and prayer not only through any liturgical prayer but through the follow- its traditionally established practices: before elucidating these practices it may be emphatically stated that there are clear-cut references and comments to this Shabad-ka-Langar, and its various aspects throughout the Sikh scriptures. The most conspicuous is one mentioned by Rai Balwand and Satta, the bards of Guru Angad, who say in their Var “Langar Chalai Guru Shabad ka Har tot na Avi Khatiai” The Sacramental food of the Divine word is being ceaselessly distributed, it is open for distribution all day, and yet it is ever full.

According to the Rehit Maryada printed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Amritsar, in 1945, the code for Langar is as follows: (in Punjabi)

(A) Guru ka Langar- is de do bhag han,
Ik Sikha noo seva Sikhana
Duje uach- nich, chhut chat da bharam mitana.

(B) Guru ke Langar vich beath ke uach nich, kise jat ja varan da prani persad chhak sakda hai, Pangat vich bitthan lagiya — Kise desh, Varan jati ja majahab da vitakra nahi karana, Ha! Ik thali vich kevel amritdhari Sikh hi chhak sakade han.

English version (It has been tried to keep the translation as literal as possible)
(A) The Langar of the Guru — It has two meanings:
– to teach the Sikhs about the concept of volunteer service;
– to erase the doubt (notion) of superiority – inferiority, and unsociability.

(B) By sitting in the Langar of the Guru without any superiority — or inferiority- complex, a person belonging to any caste or sect, can eat food. While seating in Pangat” (Row or Line) there should not be any discrimination about the origin of the country, caste, creed, or religion of a person. Yes, only Amritdhari Sikhs can eat from one plate .

The spirit of service “Seva Bhav” cannot be seen anywhere in country except Gurdwara. Gurdwara also offers an excellent offer of Social Equality in Langar Hall. Therefore, we can say that Langar in India serves a purpose of Social Equality, Food Security and good example of Spirit of Service.