Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
The tradition of organising the annual Dangal Mela on Independence Day was continued for the 37th year by the Deshbhakt Sardar Ajit Singh Yadgar Sabha, Panchpula, Dalhousie, near the memorial site of Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.
In a press release, Sabha General Secretary Virendra Thakur informed that renowned wrestlers from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, and Jammu & Kashmir participated this year. The event began with the Mela Committee offering floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, followed by worship of the Shakti Dhwaj at Maa Bankhandi temple. The wrestling matches started at 3 PM and continued until 12:15 midnight.
Around 102 wrestling bouts were held on a round basis. Winners and runners-up were honored with cash prizes:
- Emerging Star Title: Winner Minda (Kikar Gali) – ₹4100; Runner-up Kamal (Bagheigarh) – ₹3100
- Dalhousie Kumar Title: Winner Bhura (Pathankot) – ₹6100; Runner-up Sunil (Lambanal) – ₹5100
- Dalhousie Kesari Title: Winner Akash (Pathankot) – ₹8100; Runner-up Saleem (Pathankot) – ₹7100
- Dangal Shiromani 2025: In a nail-biting final, decided by toss, Winner Anku (Hada) received ₹12,000, a brass mace, while Runner-up Razzak (Malerkotla) received ₹10,000.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Sudhir Dhawan, Chairman of Dalhousie Hilltop School, and Special Guest Ashok Sharma, Principal of the school, who were felicitated with Himachali caps and shawls by Sabha Chairman Tilak Chobhyal and President Inderveer Singh.
The Chief Guest lauded the Sabha’s efforts in preserving the tradition since 1948 and praised the contribution of local people. Thousands of spectators thronged the venue despite weather challenges, bringing cheer to local traders and vendors.
Office bearers and executive members including Rakesh Chobhyal, Subhash Chauhan, Ranjit Chauhan, Ram Singh Chauhan, Bhan Singh Chauhan, Sameer Sharma, Anil Chauhan, Rakesh Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Satish Sharma, Vipin, and Ramesh played key roles in organizing the event.
The Sabha extended gratitude to Gandhi Chowk, Subhash Chowk, Bus Stand Trade Associations, hoteliers, and the local public for their financial and moral support in making the fair a grand success.
