Samba/Jammu, Jun 26: Amid tight security arrangements and religious fervour, nearly 60,000 devotees from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country gathered at the shrine of Baba Chamliyal, located just along the International Border in Samba district, to participate in the historic annual mela held on Thursday, officials said.
The shrine, dedicated to Baba Dalip Singh Manhas—widely revered as Baba Chamliyal—has for over three centuries been a symbol of peace, healing, and communal harmony. The mela, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month of Jyeshtha, attracts thousands of pilgrims who come seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
In the past, the Chamliyal Mela stood as a rare symbol of Indo-Pakistan goodwill, with the Border Security Force (BSF) from the Indian side and Pakistan Rangers from across the border partaking in a symbolic exchange of “Shakar” (sacred soil) and “Sharbat” (holy water) drawn from near the Baba’s shrine. The soil was believed to have healing properties for skin ailments, and the water, mixed with the soil, was distributed to the devotees in Pakistan as a form of spiritual remedy.
However, for the sixth consecutive year, this symbolic gesture of peace did not take place. No Shakar or Sharbat was exchanged this year as well, especially significant since the mela was being held for the first time after Operation Sindoor—India’s strategic counter-terror operation aimed at dismantling terror networks along the western border.
“The tradition of exchanging Shakar and Sharbat with Pakistan was suspended in 2018 after four BSF personnel, including an assistant commandant, were martyred in unprovoked firing from across the border,” a BSF official said.
In keeping with tradition, the Commandant of 101 Battalion BSF, Alkesh Kumar Sinha, offered the first chadar at the saint’s grave during a pre-dawn ritual, marking the official commencement of the 322nd Baba Chamliyal Mela.
“This shrine holds immense spiritual and emotional significance. I arrived here on Wednesday night to join the early morning rituals. The district administration, BSF, and shrine committee have all worked in synergy to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event,” Commandant Sinha told reporters.
Security was beefed up across the border areas of Samba and adjoining sectors in view of the sensitive location and increased footfall during the festival.
Shrine Committee head Charan Das expressed joy over the smooth conduct of the fair and extended gratitude to local volunteers who played a vital role in managing the crowds and assisting devotees.
Despite the absence of cross-border rituals, the Chamliyal Mela continues to be a powerful expression of devotion, spiritual healing, and regional heritage, even as evolving geopolitical and security concerns shape its future course.
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