SOUTHAMPTON’S Sikh community celebrated one of their holiest institutions by serving thousands of free meals to city residents.

Members of Southampton Sikh Seva distributed vegetarian food to shoppers, commuters on their way home from work and the homeless.

The seven day Langar Week initiative proved such a success they are planning to host further food drives throughout the year.

The celebrations were part of an international drive where Sikhs worldwide tackle world hunger and fostering unity between communities.

They 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 Dev Ji and also marks his birthday.

Their distribution was one of hundreds of events embracing all faiths are held worldwide in cities across India, Malaysia and Singapore and as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia.

The vegetarian curries, samosas, pakoras and rice pudding was prepared each day at the Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Gurdwara Sikh temple.

The Seva distributed 250 meals a day at six locations inncluding Above Bar Churc and Guildhall Square.

One of the organisers Ronnie Digwa said: “Overall the event was a massive success for all concerned and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“We would like to say thank you to all the local businesses who helped by providing monetary and food donations and a special thank you to our the local Sikh temples for their support and guidance.”

The group distributes food to the city’s homeless fortnightly but are planning to extend their services into other towns and cities across the county. To donate call 07765 166 815.

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

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

The event involves people camping out on cardboard in their sleeping bags to raise funds to tackle youth homelessness.

It is organised by the Society of St James and last year’s event raised £12,000 as part of the End Youth Homelessness Movement.