Dalhousie Prepares for Annual Dangal Mela Celebrating Independence Day
Annual Meeting of Deshbhakt Sardar Ajit Singh Yadgaar Sabha
Dalhousie: The Deshbhakt Sardar Ajit Singh Yadgaar Sabha held its annual meeting at Hotel King’s Dalhousie, where members discussed plans for the upcoming Dangal Mela, a wrestling fair.
The Dangal Mela has been a cherished tradition for 36 years, celebrated annually on Independence Day by the Sabha.
Virender Thakur, the general secretary of the Sabha, shared that this year’s event will be marked by enthusiasm and a strong patriotic spirit. The focus will be on nurturing young talent through the 'Ubharta Sitara' (Rising Star) competition, with participants required to present valid Aadhaar identification.
Prize Money Announced:
• Rising Star Competition: Winner - Rs 4,100; Runner-up - Rs 3,100.
• Dalhousie Kumar Title: Winner - Rs 6,100; Runner-up - Rs 5,100.
• Dalhousie Kesari Dangal: Winner - Rs 8,100; Runner-up - Rs 7,100.
• Dangal Shiromani 2025: Winner - Rs 12,000 and a traditional brass mace (gurj); Runner-up - Rs 10,000.
A total of Rs 60,000 will be awarded across the final eight matches, which will follow a round-robin format. Senior officials from Dalhousie Hilltop School are expected to attend as chief guests.
The Sabha has urged all wrestlers to arrive punctually at the akhara (wrestling ground) by 2 PM. The day will commence with traditional prayers at the Shaktipeeth Maa Bankhandi Temple, accompanied by drums and ceremonial music. After the worship of the Shakti Dhwaj (flag), wrestling matches will begin at 2 PM at the Samadhi Sthal in Panchpula.
Members present at the meeting included Subhash Chauhan, Ranjit Chauhan, Ram Singh Chauhan, Rakesh Kumar, Bhan Singh Chauhan, Vipin Kumar, and Munish Thakur, who contributed their ideas for a successful event.
The Sabha has organized this wrestling fair since 1988 in honor of Sardar Ajit Singh, who was the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. The tradition was initiated by Dr. Motilal Goswami, a close associate of Sardar Ajit Singh, and has since been upheld by the Dalhousie Beopar Mandal.