Deshbhakt Sardar Ajit Singh Yadgaar Sabha holds annual meeting, says Dangal Mela to be organised with traditional fervour
Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie: The annual meeting of the Deshbhakt Sardar Ajit Singh Yadgaar Sabha-Panchpula (Dalhousie) was held at Hotel King’s Dalhousie where the members discussed the preparations for the upcoming Dangal Mela (wrestling fair).
The Dangal Mela is being organised annually by the Deshbhakt Sardar Ajit Singh Yadgaar Sabha for the past 36 years on the occasion of Independence Day.
Giving details of the meeting, sabha general secretary Virender Thakur said that this year too, the tradition would continue with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. Emphasis will be given to encouraging young wrestlers through the “Ubharta Sitara” (Rising Star) competition. Participants must carry valid Aadhaar identification documents.
The sabha announced the following prize money details:
• Rising Star Competition: Rs 4,100 for the winner and Rs 3,100 for the runner-up.
• Dalhousie Kumar Title: Rs 6,100 for the winner and Rs 5,100 for the runner-up.
• Dalhousie Kesari Dangal: Rs 8,100 for the winner and Rs 7,100 for the runner-up.
• Dangal Shiromani 2025: Rs 12,000 in cash and a traditional brass mace (gurj) for the winner and Rs 10,000 for the runner-up.
A total of Rs 60,000 worth in prize money will be distributed across the final eight bouts, which will be conducted on a round basis. As in previous years, senior officials from Dalhousie Hilltop School will grace the event as chief guests.
The Sabha has also appealed to all participating wrestlers to arrive on time at the akhara (wrestling ground) by 2 pm sharp. The day will begin with traditional prayers and worship at the Shaktipeeth Maa Bankhandi Temple, accompanied by drums and ceremonial instruments. Following the Shakti Dhwaj (flag) worship, wrestling matches will commence at 2 pm at the Samadhi Sthal in Panchpula.
The meeting was attended by sabha members, including Subhash Chauhan, Ranjit Chauhan, Ram Singh Chauhan, Rakesh Kumar, Bhan Singh Chauhan, Vipin Kumar and Munish Thakur, who shared their insights and coordinated for a successful organisation of the fair.
The sabha has been organising the wrestling fair since 1988 in memory of Sardar Ajit Singh, the uncle of martyr Bhagat Singh. The tradition was initially started by Sardar Ajit Singh’s close associate Dr Motilal Goswami and later continued by the Dalhousie Beopar Mandal.
