The concept of Langar can be identified as one of the most successful and effective aspects of the way through which the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak has spread his idealism. It was also a way for Guru Nanak to serve the poor and needy people of the society. In India, there has been a tradition of many religious places where foods are served to the pilgrims. The community kitchen in the medieval Sufi hhanqas was also known as the Langar..

Guru Nanak mainly organised the Langar with a view to feed the visitors` and also the members of the Sikh community. He had the realisation that hunger is a great leveller and he also demolished distinctions that had been artificially imposed on man by their fellow beings. Guru Nanak has actually used the Langar, along with Sangat as a weapon to fight against the caste system that was prevailing in the Indian society at that time. In fact, Sangat and langar symbolised equality, fraternity and brotherhood. In a Langar, there was no difference made between anyone. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, the king and the pauper, all used to share the same food sitting together in one row.

Guru Nanak made arrangements to run Langar by contributions from the followers of the Sikh faith. The contributions could be in the form of provisions or voluntary service in preparing and serving the meals. The Langar did offer two square meals to every visitor, especially to the destitute and the homeless, travellers and pilgrims, everyday. The mother of Guru Nanak, Mata Tripta and his wife, Mata Sulakhni actively engaged themselves in the sewa of Langar. The wife of the second Guru of Sikhs, Guru Angad, Mata Khivi also played an active role in distributing and supervising the preparation of food for Langar. The Sikh followers have successfully kept alive the tradition of Langar in the gurdwaras till today. The Langar is an integral part of any Sikh congregation or gurdwara today.