AN INTERNATIONAL Sikh awareness week is coming to Southampton next week. Langar Week, which runs between October 1 and 7, will provide free meals for all across the city.

The week is an annual campaign highlighting the free-food service concept of Langar through a variety of events.

Southampton Sikh Seva charity group said they were hoping to teach more people about the practice.

Langar translates as ‘communal kitchen’ and is the practice of providing free food for all, regardless of faith, gender, age or status. It was started more than 500 years ago by the first guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Southampton Sikh Seva said: “We look forward to serving the local community and teaching them about this practice. Anyone is welcome to a Gurdwara. Where there are Sikhs, no-one should go hungry.”

Above Bar Church will be open to all between 6pm and 7.30pm on October 1, and at various other locations throughout the week, including Bargate, London Road and Shirley High Street.