HAMPSHIRE’S Sikh community will be opening their hearts to hundreds of people by dishing out free meals.

Members of the faith will be reaching out to residents in Southampton next week by distributing vegetarian curry to shoppers and people on their way home from work.

The huge operation is part of an international drive where Sikhs worldwide tackle world hunger and fostering unity between communities.

The Langar Week celebrations are based on the faith’s ancient Langar system nurturing equality by encouraging people of all backgrounds to share food together, regardless of faith, gender, age or status.

The system was launched by the first Sikh Guru Nanak and also marks his birthday.

Now events embracing all faiths are held worldwide in cities across India, Malaysia and Singapore and as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia.

Southampton Sikhs were part of last year’s inaugural UK Langar Week celebrations when Hampshire Sikh Council handed out curry and other traditional food to people in the Guildhall Square.

Next week members of Southampton Sikh Seva Khalsa Kitchen will be handing out food from six city locations from Monday to Sunday.

One of the organisers Ronnie Digwa said: “No one in the world should be hungry. There’s enough food for all but many people lack the compassion to share resources. Langar Week is a time to open doors to other communities, raise awareness of Langar and our mission to fight world hunger one meal at a time.”

Meals will be served from 6.30pm to 8.30pm from the following locations: Monday – Above Bar Church Tuesday – The Bargate Wednesday – London Road Thursday – Central Hall Friday– Singh Sabha Gurwara At the weekend they will be in Guildhall Square from noon to 2pm.

Search Southampton Sikh Seva on Facebook, email khalsa-kitchen@outlook.com, or contact 07765 166 815 or 077488 119 125 for more information or if you wish to donate.

The Hampshire Sikh Council will launch their Langar celebrations on November 15.

They will be distributing food during the annual St James Sleep Out in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, St Mary Street.