Jammu, June 23: Border Security Force personnel and the Pakistan Rangers will be exchanging sweets and greetings along the International Border during Chamliyal Mela to be celebrated at `No Man’s Land’ in Ramgarh sector of Samba district on Thursday.
 The Mela is being organized every year on the last Thursday of June in the memory of a Sufi Saint, who is being followed by people of the both sides of border, at village Chamliyal in Jammu region.
 Sources said the BSF, during the recent flag meeting, has discussed the arrangements of Mela with Pakistani counterparts, who have been invited to offer prayers at the Dargah (Mausoleum). The fair is being organized on the same day when foreign secretaries of the two countries are meeting in Pakistan to discuss all issues including Kashmir.
 A delegation of Pak Rangers, led by a senior officer, will visit the Dargah and offer a Chaddar on the shrine on Baba Chamliyal on behalf of Pakistan devotees and take away “Shakkar” the earth and “Sharbat” (Water).
 The earth (Shakkar) is believed to have miraculous curing effect on every kind of skin diseases while the “Sharbat” is used to mix the Shakkar and apply it on the skin besides for drinking purpose.
 Reportedly, this festival dates back to more than 300 years and it takes place at two spots, 600 yards apart, one being at Chamliyal on the Indian side and the other being at Saidanwali in Pakistan.
 According to folklore the Sufi Saint, was returning home when he was assaulted by some criminals and beheaded. His body fell in Saidanwali village (now in Pakistan) and his head in Chamliyal.
 One of his disciples suffering from an incurable skin ailment had a vision of Baba telling him that the soil where his (Baba’s) body had fallen had medicinal value. Baba then advised him to mix the soil with water and apply it over the affected parts.
 The disciple tried it and was cured. As news spread, people began thronging this place and turned it into a holy shrine.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST