Date:29/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062955531500.htm

National

A mela that binds border villages

Luv Puri

BSF men hand over mud and water to Pakistani contingent

— Photo: PTI

Camaraderie: Indian Border Security Force DIG G. S. Virk and Pakistan Sialkot sector commander Col. Mehmood interact during the annual fair of ancient shrine of Baba Chamliyal on the zero line in Ramgarh sector on Thursday.

Chamliyal: People from two adjoining villages, yet separated by the International Border, came together on Thursday to celebrate the Chamliyal Mela.

Thousands from the Chamliyal village on the Indian side of Ramgarh sector and Saidawali village of Sialkot district of Pakistan gathered to celebrate the centuries-old fair which reflected the urge for peace co-existence on both sides.

As is the tradition, the Pakistan contingent led by Commandant Colonel Mehmood of Pakistan Rangers reached the Indian territory near the Zero Line with a few civilians to collect mud and water from the Chamliyal shrine at 9 a.m.

The delegation was given a warm welcome by Border Security Force (BSF) Deputy Inspector General G.S. Virk and his team.

This time, the size of the Pakistan contingent was larger as nearly two dozen civilians also came. The ceremony stretched for two-and-a-half hours as the officers and civilians of both countries exchanged pleasantries.

The mood was upbeat. Colonel Mehmood said, “The fact that more than a lakh people have gathered on the Pakistan side is a clear indication that people on our side desire peace. The fair symbolises the common cultural legacy of the two sides and we believe this tradition needs to be carried forward.”

The Indian delegation led by Mr. Virk echoed the same sentiment and hoped that the fair would promote peace and harmony. The BSF men handed over the mud and water, said to contain curative elements, to the Pakistani Rangers.

It is believed that the soil of the shrine has medicinal value. Every year people with skin ailments come to the shrine, and apply mud, which they call ‘shakkar’ (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.