Nihang Sikh’s Langar Sewa for Ram Temple Event: A Legacy of Harmony

In a significant announcement on December 17, Baba Harjit Singh Rasulpur, a Nihang Sikh, shared plans to organize ‘langar sewa’ (Sikh community kitchen) for the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya’s Ram temple, scheduled for January 22, 2024. This noble initiative is rooted in the historical legacy of Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa, an ancestor of Baba Harjit Singh, who played a pivotal role in the Babri Masjid incident 165 years ago.

The incident involving Baba Fakir Singh marked the first FIR in the Ram temple movement and served as key evidence in the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict. The Nihang Sikhs, a distinct warrior order within the Sikh community known for their martial traditions and unique attire, have a long history dating back to the times of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.

Recognizable by their distinctive blue attire and traditional weapons, the Nihangs are highly skilled in Gatka martial arts and have historically served as a dedicated force to protect Sikh shrines and communities. The historical connection of Nihang Sikhs to Ayodhya extends beyond the Babri Masjid incident.

Speaking to AajTak/India Today TV, Baba Harjit Singh Rasulpur, the eighth descendant of Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa, highlighted the intention behind the ‘langar sewa’ at the Ram temple. He emphasized the shared history of Sikhs and Hindus in Ayodhya and the need to convey a message of communal harmony. Baba Harjit Singh aims to unite communities and counter divisive forces by showcasing the oneness of the Sikh and Hindu traditions.

Through this initiative, Baba Harjit Singh seeks to honor the legacy of his ancestor, who, along with his troop, played a role in freeing the birthplace of Lord Ram from the site where the Babri Masjid once stood. The announcement of ‘langar sewa’ serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Sikhs and Hindus and a call for unity in the face of external attempts to divide communities.