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Fanfare missing at Chambiyal fair

By Our Correspondent

Jammu June 27. The traditional fanfare was missing at the Chambiyal mela this time with comparably far less devotees gathering to pay their respects. The fair has been going on for the past three centuries in memory of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, better known as Baba Chambiyal.

Thousands throng his shrine every year in the belief that rubbing the soil of the shrine on their body will cure skin diseases. The shrine is situated on an Indian forward post in Ramgarh sector on the international border and is revered by villagers on the Pakistani side as well.

This time the border tension has had its impact on the fair. No "chaddar" was offered by the Pakistani Rangers. An officer of the 39 Battalion of the Border Security force, which looks after the shrine, told The Hindu that pilgrims were allowed in small batches. Thousands from various neighbouring States, especially Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, had come to pay their homage to the Baba.

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