Eating time ( Langar), a photo from Punjab, North

Photographer's Note

It is lunchtime at what may be the world’s largest free eatery, the langar, or community kitchen at this city’s glimmering Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Everything is ready for the big rush. Thousands of volunteers have scrubbed the floors, chopped onions, shelled peas and peeled garlic. At least 40,000 metal plates, bowls and spoons have been washed, stacked and are ready to go.

Anyone can eat for free here, and many, many people do. On a weekday, about 80,000 come. On weekends, almost twice as many people visit. Each visitor gets a wholesome vegetarian meal, served by volunteers who embody India’s religious and ethnic mosaic.

“This is our tradition,” said Harpinder Singh, the 45-year-old manager of this huge operation. “Anyone who wants can come and eat.”

Having read about the Langar I was anxious to visit the place, so I arrived early before midday and was able to watch all kind of activities before lunch
I was fascinated waking, watching, taking photos, nobody said a word, I only receive smiles or curious glances like the ones from these men waiting for food
Later I was told that I have been the only occidental at the hole place this day

danos, holmertz, subhendu_bagchi, adramad, mkamionka, maloutim has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

wolf38 (30) 2011-09-06 12:31

Hello Mary. I have just booted up the PC. Now I see this realistic photo of Amritsar. And I must say I'm thrilled. The photo has the quality of journalism. In connection with the excellent text, it is ideally suited for TE. My compliments for this post. Rgds, Wolfgang.

pablominto (53746) 2011-09-07 0:21

Hello Maria,

I remember those barrels from my childhood, when similar ones were used to transport milk hehehe!
You have captured a special situation here, with the two guys in front in contrast to those waiting in line in the background...
A well framed documentary with good details!

Greetings,
Pablo -
***

danos (110407) 2011-09-07 0:24

Hola Maria,
nice the snapshot with the Golden temple to organize all these free lunches for these poor people.I like the good reportage shot from this country of Asia.

Regards,danos

holmertz (102672) 2011-09-07 3:19

Hello Maria,
This is a well composed picture with a good foreground and a fine line of men disappearing into the darkness of the interior. Along with your interesting note it is also very instructive. This picture is a perfect contribution to TE, considering the motto of teaching us about the world.
Regards,
Gert

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2011-09-07 19:34

namaste Maria,
a nice daily life shot here. I also visited that place and it is unique in its type. Your composition is nice with a nice scene of daily langar. Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

adramad (72978) 2011-09-08 11:24

Hola Maria.
Uma imagen maravillosa que muestra esta escena cotidiana en el templo y que para nosotros no es nada habitual, genial todos estos hombres con sus coloridos turbantes y sus largas barbas.
Genial el POV con estos grandes recipientes para la comida en primer plano.
Muy buena luminosidad y color. Un buen trabajo bien presentado. Magnifica nota que potencia la imagen que nos muestras.
Un abrazo.
Luis.

P/D. Mis vacaciones en el pueblo junto a las montañas ya han concluido, ayer regrese a Madrid. Pero el proximo domingo me marcho con las vacaciones mas interesantes, a un viaje por Grecia durante 20 dias. Espero hacer buenas fotos.

emka (158128) 2011-09-13 14:19

Hi maria,

fantastic shot, great reportage from Amritsar. Unfortunately, I had no time to visit it, but it is not possible to go everywhere. amazing that so many people can have a meal there. Earlier I thought that all Indians wear turbans :). but here they are. Superb composition and sharpness.

Warm regrads

Malgorzata

BennyV (34748) 2011-09-17 9:56

Ola Maria,

Interesting shot, the men sitting patiently in line even add a slightly humourous (to my unfamiliar eyes). Have a fine weekend.

Cheers.

Benny

PS: Just uploaded my version of the Islamic Art cafetaria.

mkamionka (74375) 2011-09-20 8:45

Hi Maria,
as mentioned already my job contract is coming to the end so the topic of this photograph is very current for me...
Very interesting subject and interesting exotic presentation.
I like the places which you select for your travel, whereas other people show beaches of Goa you show the starving people waiting for food.
Best regards,
M

maloutim (13617) 2012-09-12 7:16

Otra foto muy interesante de peregrinos o gente local.
Me gusta mucho la idea de partija o de comida graciosa por todos. Esta tradiciòn no es imaginable en nuestros paìses occidentales donde la filosofìa de "cada uno para su mismo" es la regla comùn a menudo.
Pienso que tuvimos esta tradiciòn en los tiempos medievales, pero no ahora.
Buena nitidez de las expresiones en las caras.
Pero, me molesta un poco que no se vean nigunas mujeres en la escena.
De todas maneras, es un envìo muy instructivo.
Saludos cordiales.
Marie-louise.