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| No Chaddar for shrine, no Shakkar, Sharbat for Pak devotees at Baba Chamliyal Mela | | Post-Operation Sindoor | | Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, June 26: Thousands of devotees flocked to the revered Baba Chamliyal shrine in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district along the International Border (IB) on Thursday for the annual mela, a significant cultural and religious event.
However, the traditional cross-border exchanges that once symbolized India-Pakistan harmony were notably absent, with no Pakistani delegation participating and no offerings of ‘Chaddar from across the border,’ ‘Shakkar’ (sacred clay), or ‘Sharbat’ (holy water) shared across the border.
The shrine, dedicated to Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, popularly known as Baba Chamliyal, has long been a beacon of communal harmony and cross-border goodwill. Devotees from both India and Pakistan have historically visited the site, believing the shrine’s clay and water possess miraculous healing properties, particularly for skin ailments.
In years past, Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, along with civil administrators from both sides, would meet at the Zero Line to exchange these sacred items, fostering a sense of unity despite the tense geopolitical climate.
This tradition came to an abrupt halt in June 2018 following a tragic incident of unprovoked cross-border firing by Pakistan, which claimed the lives of four BSF personnel, including an assistant commandant. The attack, described by local authorities as a "shameful act," prom Thousands of devotees flocked to the revered Baba Chamliyal shrine along the International Border (IB) for the annual mela.
The traditional cross-border exchanges that once symbolized India-Pakistan harmony were notably absent
The shrine, dedicated to Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, popularly known as Baba Chamliyal, has long been a beacon of communal harmony and cross-border goodwill.
Devotees from both India and Pakistan have historically visited the site, believing the shrine’s clay and water possess miraculous healing properties
Since 2018, the central government decided that we will celebrate the mela in our area, and they will hold their own celebrations on their side.
This year’s mela was held under stringent security measures, bolstered by the success of Operation Sindoor, a counter-insurgency operation conducted in May 2025.
The operation ensured a safe environment for the thousands of pilgrims who attended, undeterred by the absence of cross-border exchanges.
Local authorities and BSF personnel were deployed in large numbers to maintain order and ensure the safety of devotees, many of whom traveled from across Jammu and beyond to pay their respects.
The Baba Chamliyal shrine remains a powerful spiritual and cultural landmark, drawing devotees who offer prayers and seek blessings for health and prosperity. The mela, typically a vibrant affair with stalls, devotional music, and community gatherings, carried on with fervor despite the altered dynamics. However, the absence of Pakistani devotees and the traditional exchange of offerings underscored the lingering impact of strained bilateral relations.
As the mela concluded, local officials reported no untoward incidents, crediting the robust security arrangements. The event, while a testament to the enduring faith of devotees, also served as a reminder of the fragile peace along the International Border. |
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