The Perfect Langar Dal

MY THOUGHTS

What is a perfect Langar Dal and how many of our kids actually know it? That is why I love Sanjana Kapur’s latest book The Perfect Langar Dal because it allows us to talk to our kids about the Sikh community, one of their most important festivals, delicious food rituals, and the transformative experience of langar.

Little Amal is super excited for Guru Purab because it is his first time at Prabhat Pheri but his Bebe or his grandmother is super excited too! For the first time, Maan Singh, a renowned cook from the Golden Temple will be visiting their town and cooking for the Guru Purab langar! In addition to putting their gurudwara and their town on the map, there will be delicious food! But when Maan Singh arrives he shuts everyone out and insists on working alone to make the langar dal. On the day before Guru Purab as Amal and his friends play at the Gurudwara, they find Maan Singh is in trouble. An important ingredient has been left out of the dal and he needs help! Can Amal and his friends save the dal and Maan Singh’s reputation on Guru Purab?

Sanjana Kapur tells the most adorable tale of how help can come from the most unexpected quarters and emphasises that even adults can sometimes slip up and make mistakes. Maan Singh, Bebe, Amal, Simran, and Angad are unforgettable characters and will remain in your mind long after you are done with the book. The story highlights generosity of spirit and how a community comes together to share and serve their fellow humans. I loved how Kapur has woven in the ideals of Sikhism allowing parents to have conversations about it with young readers. Using three friends, she writes a beautiful story of empathy, generosity of spirit, and how happiness can be found by helping someone else.

Kavita Singh Kale’s black and white illustrations are intricate, detailed, and so utterly gorgeous! I especially loved the page where Bebe is supervising work in the langar kitchen. Kale’s intricate details on the outfits and the many different vegetables and spices used in the food prep made me spend a lot of time marvelling at the details on the page. Her illustrations add life and character to the story bringing this beautiful story alive for young readers.

This is a great book to add to your child’s collection especially during festive season. Make sure to head to your nearest gurudwara to cap off the reading experience with a hearty langar meal!