Thousands throng Chambaliyal shrine along IB in Jammu

Thousands of people today visited the shrine of Baba Chambaliyal near the international border of Samba district in Jammu division on the last day of Chambaliyal fair.
A 30-member Pakistani delegation, led by Wing Commander of Chenab Rangers Lt Col Jowaid, came to the Indian side around 10 AM to offer 'chaddar' (holy blanket) at the shrine of Baba Chambaliyal, officials said, adding that they were received by members of BSF and civil administration.
The Indian authorities also handed over 'shaker' (holy soil) and 'sharbat' (holy water) from the shrine to the visiting team, they said.
Officials from both the sides had a meeting at the Zero Line during which they exchanged sweets, they said.

More than 20,000 people visited the shrine of Baba Chambiliyal to observe 323rd anniversary of Dileep Singh Manhas, who was popularly known as Baba Chambiliyal, on the concluding day of the fair today.
While the fair on Indian side is held for three days on the shrine complex at Chambliyal village, it is held on the Pakistani side for a week at Saida Wala village of Sialkote district. Saida Wala village lies opposite Chambaliyal village across the border.
Till 1971, Pakistanis were allowed to come to this side of the border to pay obeisance at the shrine and offer 'chadar', but after the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the practice was stopped.

A popular belief on both Indian and Pakistani sides along the border is that 'shaker' and 'sharbat' from the shrine cure skin diseases. As a result it draws a large number of devotees from northern part of India.