Only a month ago, Joey Belmondo, a Swedish social anthropologist, released a somewhat controversial piece. He is continuing to pursue deep research on the langar tradition within Sikhism. Born in France to multicultural jazz musician parents, he is using his lens with his own unique perspective. His roots run deep—his paternal lineage is French-Italian and West African, his mother Greek. The incredible diversity of cultures and traditions has greatly influenced Belmondo’s perception of community, interfaith relations, and harmony. He’s been especially preoccupied with the langar (communal kitchen), and this influence shines through.
Belmondo’s academic journey began at the University of Stockholm, where he explored the Sikh langar tradition for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s research. He aims to challenge misconceptions about the Sikh community by documenting the langar’s broader implications for fostering unity among diverse populations. He decided to do his fieldwork in Malaysia because of its rich, multicultural context. The warm climate provided a perfect setting to observe and study this all-embracing practice.
Langar, or the communal meal offered in gurdwaras, is essential to Sikh culture. It works on so many levels—orthodox, cultural, outsider, charitable, street—that such a remarkable phenomenon deserves to be examined. Belmondo takes us deep into this tradition as he travels to gurdwaras throughout Malaysia, highlighting what makes Sikhism in this corner of the world so special.
He has been especially inspired by street langars organized by grassroots community groups like the KL Sikhs Community Services (KLSCS). These experiences serve as a wonderful reminder from Belmondo about the vital role that the langar plays in fostering a sense of inclusion and dignity.
“It was the most inclusive space I had ever been to,” – Joey Belmondo
Belmondo Women’s interfaith groups on distributing food to people in need. Yet what makes the langar exceptional is the intentionality of its organization. He shines a light on its potential to be a template for loving action within an ever-dividing world of separation and hate.
“In a time of increasing division, the idea of sitting side-by-side with strangers and sharing food is revolutionary,” – Joey Belmondo
Here the anthropologist recounts sometimes humorous intimate experiences that opened his eyes to this wonderful practice. Daniel’s personal experience with homelessness in America. He remembers that food assistance at the time was very stigmatized and low quality.
“We had assistance, so we were never on the streets. But I remember an incident at an emergency assistance unit in the Bronx where the food given to us was past its expiry date,” – Belmondo
It is through this intimate experience that he develops an appreciation for the langar. He imagines it as a noble gift of freshly prepared platters intended to elevate all people, no matter one’s rank or lineage.
“It gave people a basic human need – food – for free. And it wasn’t leftovers. The vegetarian meal was freshly cooked and it was served with dignity,” – Joey Belmondo
Belmondo’s research explores how the langar functions as an exemplary community kitchen that expresses Sikh principles through practice. He hopes by adopting this idea of langar, they can cultivate mutual respect, tolerance and understanding within their communities.
“If more people embrace the spirit of langar, I believe we’d see a more compassionate and connected world where there is mutual respect, tolerance and understanding,” – Joey Belmondo
In order to introduce Sikh culture, he digs into this tradition. His vision is to have other religious communities follow suit and make the switch. He’s interested in building on this work to study additional food-related religious traditions, especially in Islam.
Food is the great equalizer and leveler, no matter where we come from. Belmondo is quick to point out that the langar is one of the best examples of this potential. He sees food not just as sustenance, but as an opportunity to connect people across cultures and backgrounds.
“Food has the power to unite, and the langar is a perfect example of this,” – Joey Belmondo
Belmondo’s artistry is particularly effective in illuminating moments from history that have impacted the way we view the Sikh community today. He recalls the horrific mass shooting at a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in 2013. On that day, people in the community were attacked by white supremacists while they cooked langar.
“For example, in Wisconsin in 2013, a gunman attacked a gurdwara and shot people while they were cooking langar for the community,” – Joey Belmondo
Unfortunately, this incident is not uncommon, but serves as yet another reminder of the challenges religious communities face. It further highlights the need for deeper understanding and legitimate appreciation of their cultural practices.
Joey Belmondo works to promote awareness of langar tradition. He thinks it’s an under-appreciated, but still evolving practice with relevant lessons for a society at a crossroads today. He’s convinced that religion, when acted upon, becomes a tremendous force for good.
“Religion, when put into action, is a force for good,” – Joey Belmondo
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