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Why do Sikhs sit on the ground during Divan and Langar?

Friday
,
24
April
2026

Across cultures and throughout history, sitting on the ground has been a natural part of daily life. However, within the Sikh tradition, the Gurus intentionally established this practice in spaces of spiritual gathering and communal sharing.

Across cultures and throughout history, sitting on the ground has been a natural part of daily life. However, within the Sikh tradition, the Gurus intentionally established this practice in spaces of spiritual gathering and communal sharing.


The conversation reflects on how sitting on the ground cultivates humility, grounding, and equality. In the presence of the Guru during Divan, all distinctions fade, placing everyone on the same level. Similarly, in Langar, individuals from all walks of life—regardless of status—sit together and share a meal as equals. Through this practice, the Sikh tradition reinforces a deep sense of connection, oneness, and collective belonging.

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In This Video

Harinder Singh

Senior Fellow, Research & Policy

Harinder Singh is the Senior Fellow at the Sikh Research Institute. He holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University, an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas, and an MPhil from Punjab University in the linguistics of the Guru Granth Sahib. 

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