The Hindu : National : Chambliyal annual mela on June 23

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 22, 2005

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Chambliyal annual mela on June 23

Luv Puri

BSF to play host to Pakistan Rangers

Baba Chambliyal shrine near zero line on Indian side
Rangers' participation set to add colour to the event
Shrine under the care of BSF, which has constructed a free community kitchen and guesthouse for pilgrims

People rub themselves with mud from a pit to cure skin disorders

JAMMU: Pakistan Rangers are expected to keep their date with the Chambliyal annual mela to be held on June 23 on the India-Pakistan border.

Chambliyal Post, guarded by its 39 Battalion of the BSF, will play host to the Rangers at the Sufi shrine. The Baba Chambliyal shrine is near the zero line on the Indian side of the Ranbir Singh Pura sector.

Their participation is all set to add colour to the annual event.

Heritage

The mela is a pointer to the centuries-old heritage of the people living on the either side of the border. Even in times of animosity between the two nations it has acted as a catalyst in bonding people.The confirmation of the Rangers' participation came last week at a sector-level meeting between the Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers.

Until 1947, a family that migrated from Chambliyal to Pakistan looked after the shrine. Since then, it has been looked after by the BSF, which has constructed a free community kitchen and a guesthouse for pilgrims. The Pakistani village of Sayyedawali, where people every year wait for the mud and water from the shrine, is about 100 metres away. BSF men will hand over the mud and water to the Rangers.

People with all sorts of skin problems come here and rub themselves with the mud from the pit, which they call `shakkar,' or sugar, and water from the well. Then they stand in the sun for some days. Scores of men and women perform the ritual throughout the year.

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