Patna Gurdwara Maintains Langar Service Amid Statewide LPG Cylinder Shortage
In Patna, the Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib is steadfastly serving langar to thousands of people daily, despite a severe statewide shortage of LPG cylinders. Gurdwara officials have reported that to feed such a large crowd, at least 20-25 cylinders are required every day, a demand they are managing to meet through coordinated efforts.
Increased Attendance and Government Assistance
Guruvindar Singh, vice president of the gurdwara, highlighted that the number of locals coming for langar has substantially increased since the crisis began. "People are coming in from all backgrounds and religions," he said, noting that the quantity of food prepared has risen accordingly. He expressed gratitude to the government for its support in ensuring no shortage of LPG cylinders at the gurdwara, which has been crucial in maintaining the service.
Impact on Local Residents
Among those benefiting from the langar are residents directly affected by the supply disruption. Ramesh Kumar, a local, shared his struggle: "I have been trying to book a refill for several days, but the system is not accepting any new bookings, and we have no way to cook at home." Similarly, Suman Kumari mentioned, "My delivery has been delayed for more than three days, and we have completely run out of gas, so we have come here for our meals." These stories underscore the community's reliance on the gurdwara during this challenging time.
Operational Details and Increased Demand
Tejender Singh, the langar in-charge, provided insights into the operational scale. Before the crisis, an average of 20,000 to 25,000 people visited daily, but since the shortage began, this number has surged to 25,000 to 30,000. Consequently, the daily cylinder requirement has increased from around 18 to at least 20-22 household cylinders. "The kitchen operates from 6am to 5am and remains open for 22 hours," he explained, adding that continuous langar is provided, with only a two-hour daily shutdown for cleaning.
Food Preparation and Menu Variety
The langar service involves extensive food preparation. For lunch alone, more than two quintals of rice and 100kg of lentils are cooked, along with roti, sabzi, and a sweet dish. This is repeated for dinner, while breakfast and snacks feature different menus. Tejender Singh emphasized that the menu is rotated to offer a variety of dishes to those attending, ensuring nutritional diversity and satisfaction for all visitors.
Broader Context and Community Response
The gurdwara's efforts are part of a larger response to the LPG shortage, which has been exacerbated by global tensions, including conflicts in West Asia. Officials proactively engaged with vendors and senior administrators to secure a steady cylinder supply, ensuring the langar service remains unaffected. This initiative not only addresses immediate hunger but also fosters community solidarity, with people from diverse backgrounds coming together in support.
In summary, the Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib exemplifies resilience and compassion, continuing its langar service to feed thousands daily despite logistical challenges. With government assistance and dedicated management, it stands as a beacon of hope and sustenance for the local community during this crisis.
