Cheti Chand is a festival celebrated primarily by the Sindhi community. It marks the Sindhi New Year and is observed on the 1st day of Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in March or April.
The festival honors the birth of Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis. Jhulelal is believed to be the reincarnation of Varuna, the Vedic god of water, and is worshipped as a deity who protects the Sindhi community from adversity. Celebrations often include processions, singing devotional songs, and special prayers at temples.
The birthday of water god (Varun Devta) Sai Uderolal or Jhulelal is called Cheti Chand and this day also corresponds to Guru Nanak’s birthday. Varun Dev as Sai Uderolal or Jhulelal has incarnated to protect Sindhis. Cheti Chand is a festival celebrated by the Sindhi community, marking the beginning of the Sindhi New Year. It usually falls in March or April and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Jhulelal, who is believed to be the patron saint of the Sindhi people. The festival is a time for celebrations, including processions, prayers, and traditional Sindhi dishes. It’s a joyous occasion for Sindhis around the world to honor their cultural heritage and traditions.
Cheti Chand is observed on the first day of the Sindhi Chet month (March – April) or Chaitra month in Hindu calendar; hence, it is called CHET-I-CHAND. Cheti Chand is the beginning of Sindhi new year. Businessmen start with new account books on this day. This most popular Sindhi festival is celebrated on a day during the waxing phase of the moon of Chet month.
Cheti Chand is celebrated with a range of vibrant and meaningful activities. Here are some common ways people celebrate:
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Processions: Devotees participate in colorful processions, often carrying images or idols of Jhulelal. These processions can be lively and include singing devotional songs.
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Prayer and Worship: People visit temples dedicated to Jhulelal or set up small altars at home. Special prayers and hymns are offered to seek blessings for prosperity and happiness in the new year.
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Festive Meals: Traditional Sindhi dishes are prepared and enjoyed. These can include items like Sindhi Biryani, Sindhi Karhi, and various sweets.
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Community Gatherings: Families and friends come together for festive meals and gatherings. It’s a time for socializing and sharing joy with loved ones.
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Cultural Programs: Some communities organize cultural events, including music and dance performances, to celebrate their heritage.
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Decorations: Homes and public spaces might be decorated with colorful rangoli designs and festive lights.
The main festival starts with the worshiping of the lord Jhulelal and Bahrano. Men perform the folk dance, Chej on Sindhi music before the idol of Jhulelal.
All the organizations or institutions dedicated to Sindhis, celebrate this festival with gaiety and pomp. Aarti of the Sea God of the Sindhis- Jhulelal Sain is performed. It is also a day of worshiping and thanking the god of water, without which, life is impossible.
Cheti Chand holds significant cultural and religious importance for the Sindhi community:
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New Year Celebration: It marks the beginning of the Sindhi New Year, which is a time to start fresh and celebrate new beginnings.
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Tribute to Jhulelal: The festival honors Jhulelal, a revered deity in Sindhi Hinduism. Jhulelal is considered a savior and protector of Sindhi culture and traditions, and the festival is a way to express gratitude and seek his blessings.
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Cultural Identity: Cheti Chand is a celebration of Sindhi identity and heritage. It reinforces the community’s cultural traditions and brings people together to celebrate their shared history and values.
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Social Bonding: The festival fosters community spirit and strengthens social ties among Sindhis. It’s a time for family reunions and communal celebrations, reinforcing bonds within the community.
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Symbol of Resilience: For Sindhis, who have historically faced various challenges and displacements, Cheti Chand symbolizes resilience and the enduring strength of their cultural identity. It’s a reminder of their ability to preserve and celebrate their heritage despite adversity.
Baharana Sahib
Baharana Sahib consists of Jyot, sugar candy, phota, fruits, akha, etc. Behind is a bronze pot and a coconut in it, covered with cloth, flowers, leaves and idol of God Jhulelal. On this day Baharana Sahib is taken to a nearby river or lake.इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें