Annual Chamliyal Mela Held in J-K Amidst Ongoing Pause in India-Pakistan Exchange

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Chamliyal border shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Thursday for an annual fair. However, the traditional exchange of 'shakkar' and 'sharbat' with Pakistan did not take place again this year. The shrine, dedicated to Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, also known as Baba Chamliyal, has historically been a symbol of India-Pakistan friendship.

Annual Fair at Chamliyal Shrine

The Chamliyal shrine in the Ramgarh sector attracts thousands of devotees every year. Since June 2018, no Pakistani delegation has visited the shrine after four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were killed in unprovoked cross-border firing. Pakistan Rangers used to collect 'shakkar' (clay) and 'sharbat' (water) from the shrine, believed to have healing properties for skin ailments.

Billu Chaudhary, president of the Temple Management Committee, explained that exchanges used to occur between civil administrations and officials from both sides. "Earlier, we used to go to the Zero Line and exchanges were held between our civil administration and their civil administration and officials from the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers," he said. However, since 2018, due to the shameful activities that the Pakistanis did wherein four of our officers were martyred, the central government decided that we will celebrate this mela in our area and they will celebrate it in theirs," he added.

Devotees Flock for Blessings

The fair was celebrated with great religious fervour. Thousands of devotees from within the Union Territory and outside sought blessings from Baba Chamliyal. The festivities began early morning with devotees arriving at the shrine to pay their respects and receive blessings. The fair, held in Chamliyal village, has long been a significant religious and cultural event in the region.

Chetan Kumar, a priest at the shrine, described the rituals performed during the fair. "Baba ji was bathed and clothed. We did puja, archana, and arti, following which Prasad bhog was offered," he said. Around 3,000 people who have come from outside stayed here overnight.

Extensive Preparations by Authorities

In anticipation of a large turnout, district authorities made extensive preparations under Deputy Commissioner Samba Abhishek Sharma's supervision. Officials ensured smooth conduct by enhancing medical facilities, regulating traffic, providing drinking water, adding bus services, and implementing robust security measures.

The annual fair's significance extends beyond India; according to Chaudhary, it is also celebrated in Pakistan. Despite recent tensions affecting traditional exchanges, both sides continue to honour Baba Chamliyal's legacy through separate celebrations.

The event concluded peacefully with devotees expressing hope for future resumption of cross-border exchanges.