After a two-month lockdown, thousands of buses, trucks and other vehicles passing by Karanji on National Highway 7 would like to stop

Mumbai: After a two-month lockdown, thousands of buses, trucks and other vehicles passing by Karanji on National Highway 7 would like to stop at a Ramshackle tin shed filled with plastic sheets on the side of a dry and dusty road.

It is the only place in an area of ??about 450 km where decent meal is available and that too free of cost. This food is being served by Baba Karnail Singh Khaira.

Photo“About 150 km behind us and about 300 km ahead, there is not a single dhaba or restaurant ... So most people like to stop at Guru ka Langar and take advantage of our services.”

Most of the Sikhs visit here. This was the place where the 10th Guru Gobind Singh stayed in 1705, while on his way to Nanded, about 250 km away, where he was assassinated in October 1708. About 125 years later, it became world famous.

PhotoThe famous Gurudwara Takht Hazuri Sahib Sachkhand (Nanded) is one of the five Takhts of Sikhism. Khaira Baba said, "Since Gurudwara Bhagod Sahib is away from the main road, in 1988 (32 years ago), this free 'langar' came here as its branch. I was appointed to this job with the blessings and guidance of Baba Narinder Singh Ji and Baba Balwinder Singh Ji of Nanded Gurudwara Sahib."

A langar, which has been running regularly for years, has become a major support for millions of hungry people since the lockdown on March 24, especially for the migrants, passengers, truckers and villagers.