Baba Chamliyal Mela Draws Thousands, But Pakistan Participation Absent for Eighth Year

SRINAGAR: For the eighth consecutive year, the annual Baba Chamliyal Mela near the International Border in Ramgarh sector of Samba district unfolded without the traditional participation of Pakistani Rangers and devotees from across the border, marking a continued departure from a long-standing cross-border tradition.

Despite the absence of Pakistani representation, the 322-year-old shrine of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, fondly revered as Baba Chamliyal, drew nearly 30,000 devotees from across north India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, undeterred by the monsoon rains that lashed the region early Thursday morning.

The fair, observed every year on the fourth Thursday of June, commemorates the legacy of Baba Chamliyal, a spiritual figure venerated on both sides of the border. Traditionally, the event symbolised a rare moment of Indo-Pak amity, with BSF and Pakistani Rangers exchanging offerings Chadar and sweets from Pakistan, and Shakkar and Sharbat from India, believed to have healing properties.

Baba Chamliyal

However, this tradition was disrupted in 2018 after a BSF trooper was killed in an unprovoked sniper fire from the Pakistani side. The ceremonial meeting at the zero line, which was a hallmark of the mela since the post-2003 ceasefire years, has remained suspended since.

This year too, amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam massacre and the launch of Operation Sindoor, the cross-border engagement was absent. Devotees from Sialkot, who once thronged the Pakistani side of the border fence to glimpse the shrine, were again left waiting for the elusive restoration of ties.

Despite this, the Indian side of the mela witnessed a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. BSF Commandant Alkesh Kumar Sinha led the early morning Chadar offering, with BJP leaders including UT president Sat Sharma and local MLAs attending the festivities. The local populace, especially farmers from the Ramgarh region, played host, with many delaying their paddy sowing to support the annual congregation.

“This shrine has a long and inclusive legacy. It is not only revered here in India but holds deep significance across the border as well,” said Devender Kumar Manyal, BJP MLA from Ramgarh. “Nine thousand devotees have reached here from various states, and we hope this will only grow.”

Shrine Committee head Charan Das expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the fair, while the district administration, BSF, and Tourism Department were lauded for making extensive preparations, from erecting food stalls and sanitation blocks to organising exhibitions of BSF weaponry, dog shows and band performances.

To safeguard consumer rights and public health, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs conducted inspections at the mela site to enforce food safety and legal metrology standards. “Such measures promote a culture of compliance and ensure transparency,” said Assistant Director Rahul Gupta.

Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma confirmed that while the ceremonial zero-line meeting remained off the cards due to official decisions, over one lakh pilgrims were expected across the day. “We have made elaborate arrangements for their comfort and safety,” he said.