Bharti Sharma
bhartisharma705139@gmail.com
Baba Chamliyal Shrine is a famous holy place located in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 42 kilometers from Jammu city and is situated very close to the India-Pakistan International Border. The shrine is more than 320 years old and is known for faith, healing and unity. Every year, thousands of people visit this holy place to pray and seek blessings.
The shrine is built in memory of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, who was a very kind and religious person. He lived in the village of Chamliyal many years ago and spent his life helping poor and needy people. He gave water to thirsty travelers and always spoke about love, peace and brotherhood. Because of his good nature, people of all religions respected him.
According to local stories, Baba Chamliyal was killed in Saidawali village, which is now in Pakistan. It is believed that after his death, his head fell in Chamliyal (India), while his body remained in Saidawali (Pakistan). Because of this, two shrines were built – one in India and one in Pakistan. Both places are respected by people on both sides of the border.
Baba Chamliyal is especially famous for curing skin diseases. The soil from the shrine is called “Shakkar”and the water from the well is called “Sharbat.” People believe that applying Shakkar on skin problems and using Sharbat with faith can help cure many skin diseases. Some patients stay at the shrine for 21 days as part of tradition. Free rooms are provided for them, and a free Langar serves simple vegetarian food to everyone.
Every year in June, a big fair called the Baba Chamliyal Mela is organized. The Mela does not have a fixed date but is usually held on the fourth Thursday of June. The exact date changes every year, but it always falls in the month of June. The fair continues for three days. People from different states come in large numbers to attend it. The district administration makes proper arrangements for security, medical camps, drinking water, traffic control and transport facilities.
For many years, one of the most special traditions of this Mela was the exchange of Shakkar and Sharbat between India and Pakistan. Pakistani Rangers used to come to the border and offer a chadar at the shrine through the Border Security Force (BSF). In return, the BSF would give Shakkar and Sharbat to them for people on the Pakistan side. This exchange was a symbol of peace and goodwill.
However, the situation changed in 2018 after a serious ceasefire violation near the border. Late Tuesday night on June 12, 2018, and into the early hours of Wednesday, June 13, heavy firing took place at the Chamliyal post in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district. During this incident, one Assistant Commandant, Jatinder Singh, Sub-Inspector Rajnish Kumar and two other BSF constables were martyred in the line of duty. This tragic incident deeply affected the region and led to increased border tensions.
After this event, the earlier system of direct exchange during the Mela was stopped. Since June 2018, Pakistani Rangers are not allowed to cross to the Indian side for the ceremony. The traditional exchange at the shrine itself has been suspended due to security reasons.
Now, the tradition continues in a limited and controlled manner. The Shakkar and Sharbat are sent from the Indian side to the Pakistan side through tractor-trolleys or trucks under tight security arrangements. The Pakistani side sends the chadar from their side of the border. Only officials and security personnel are involved in this process. Common people are not allowed to cross the border.
Even after these changes, the Mela continues every year on the Indian side with full faith. Thousands of people gather to pray for health, peace and happiness. The shrine remains a strong symbol of unity and hope in the border area.
Baba Chamliyal Shrine reminds everyone that faith, humanity and kindness are stronger than borders and conflicts. Even in difficult times, the tradition continues in some form, keeping alive the message of peace and brotherhood for future generations.
(This author is a student of Mass Communication & New Media at the Central University of Jammu.)
The post Baba Chamliyal Shrine A Place of Faith, Healing and Unity appeared first on Daily Excelsior.