Jammu: The annual fair at the Baba Chamliyal shrine on the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm as it witnessed a huge rush of devotees.
This year's celebrations seem to be even more intense as the fair is being held after a gap of two years due to the Covid pandemic.
Thousands of devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring states paid obeisance at the shrine amid elaborate arrangements made by the district administration Samba and Border Security Force(BSF).
The Shrine of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas is revered by people of both sides of the India-Pakistan border.
The fair is held for three days on the Indian side, and for a week in Saidanwali village in Pakistan's Sialkot district.
The fair was held with traditional fervour and enthusiasm after a gap of two years witnessing huge rush of devotees, the BSF's Deputy Inspector General Surjit Singh Sekhon told reporters after offering a 'Chadar' on behalf of the force at the shrine.
"Elaborate security and other arrangements have been put in place for the devotees who have been thronging the shrine since early this morning amid improved weather conditions," said Anuradha Gupta, the deputy Commissioner Samba.
"We have also offered a Chadar at the shrine on behalf of the district administration and the police, and prayed for peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country," she added. (UNI)