Cheti Chand / Jhulelal Jayanti Festival

                                          Cheti Chand / Jhulelal Jayanti

 According to the Hindu calendar, Cheti Chand is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month known as Chet in Sindhi. Hence it is known as CHET-I-CHAND.

Cheti Chand is an important festival celebrated by Sindhi people of Pakistan and India. However date of Cheti Chand is decided based on Hindu calendar. According to Hindu calendar, Cheti Chand is celebrated on the second day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. Most of the times, it is celebrated one day after Ugadi and Gudi Padwa.
It is the day when the New Moon becomes visible after no moon day. Due to the first appearance of the moon during the Cheti month, this day is known as Cheti Chand.
The Sindhi community celebrates the festival of Cheti Chand to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ishtadeva Uderolal which is popularly known as Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis.

After observing 40 days of penance called  Chaliho Sahab, Sindhis celebrate Cheti Chand as a day of thanksgiving. During Chahilo Sahab faithful offer prayers to the water god by giving up luxuries like using soap or oil for a bath, not wearing new clothes, eating simple food and singing prayer hymns and songs in their god’s praise. Cheti Chand marks the end of Chahilo and the day of celebrations.
Legend
 According to legends, a Muslim dictator Mirkshaw coerced the Hindus to adopt Islam. The oppressed Hindus prayed to Lord Varuna on the banks of the river Sindhu for their deliverance from the repression. One day the Lord answered their prayers and was incarnated as Uderolal (which means sprung from the waters), the son of Rattanchand and Deviki in the town of Narsapur of Cheti Chand (चेटी चंड) (Sindhi – چنڊ ‎چيٽي). Uderolal performed many wonders for the residents of Nasarpur and rescued the Hindus from dispossession. Coming to know of this, the emperor wanted to see Uderolal but he was always thwarted by heavenly involvement. Ultimately when he got to meet Uderolal, he taught the emperor that there is no distinction between Hindus and Muslims; all men are the creation of one God and Humanity is the highest religion. Thereafter being made aware by the God, Mirkshaw discontinued all atrocities towards the Hindus and ruled justly.

History of  Cheti Chand / Jhulelal Jayanti:-

Jhulelal, Ishta Dev of Sindhis, was born on Cheti Chand, to Rattan Rao Luhana and his wife Devaki and is also known as Lal Sai, Uderolal, Varun Dev and Zinda Pir .
Cheti Chand falls on the second day of the Chaitra month and is very auspicious day for Sindhis. Sindhis all over the world celebrate this day in Jhulelal's memory
Legend has it that, In the tenth century when Arabs were declining and the Soomras were coming up, Ruller of Thatta, Mirkh Shah, ordered the Hindus to embrace lslam.
The Hindus asked Mirkh Shah for some time to think over the order. Mirkh Shah agreed to give Hindus forty days.
The Hindus then gathered on the banks of the mighty Sindhu and prayed to God Varuna to save them. For forty days, they continued the prayer.
They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying and fasting and singing songs in praise of God Varuna.
On the fortieth day, a voice was heard "Fear not, I shall save you from the wicked Mirkh Shah. I shall come down as a mortal and take birth in the womb of Mata Devaki in the house of Rattan Rao Luhana of Nasarpur".
Even today Followers of Jhulelal perform this prayer for forty days ("chaliho") and celebrate "Thanksgiving Day" after "chaliho".
As expected on Cheti Chand, Jhulelal was born to Mata Devaki as "Udaichand". He was also known as "Uderolal".
Hindus have asked for some more time from Mirkh Shah in the meantime and Mirkh Shah on knowing about the "mysterious child" being born as savior of Hindus, decided to give them more time just to prove his supremacy.
In his growing years, people got more convinced of Uderolal being their savior.
Uderolal was asled to appear before Mirkh Shah,
Uderolal urged Mirkh Shah about Hindu-Muslim unity and oneness of God, but Mirkh Shah was not convinced and ordered his arrest.
As Uderolal was being arrested, people saw a sudden great waves of water flooded the place and fire too broke our and the palace in flames.
Uderolal explained Mirkh Shah, that there is no point of arguing; as all God are one and same and we should all live in peace.
Mirkh Shah, on seeing this miracle, was terrified and pleaded for mercy. As soon as he pleaded for mercy, the water receded away and fire flames were gone too.
Since then, Jhulelal is worshiped by both Hindus and Muslims.

Cheti Chand Significance:-


Cheti Chand SignificanceKing Markh Shah of Sind believed in converting Hindus into Muslims. He used force and torure to convert the Hindus. Hindus were greatly perturbed. They gathered at the banks of the river Indus and went on fast. They pleaded God to come to their prayers. Their prayers were answered and God appeared before them coming out of the flowing Indus-waters. He said to them that he'll soon take birth in the house of Ratanchand and save them from the tyranny of Markh Shah. Udero was born in the city of Nasarpur on the first day of the month of Chaitra. He checked king Markh Shah in his tyrannical pursuits of proselytizing the Hindus. Now this story has got historical as well as scientific basis. Nasarpur town still stands near Thatta, the capital of Sindh, when Markh Shah ruled. Udero's first name was Udaychand meaning the rising one. Uderolal is said to have been born on the first day of the Chaitra month. Which is considered the first day of our new year. Sindhis have Cheti Chand (First day of Chaitrra) as their New Year Day. Cheti Chand is considered as the birthday of our Udero.

 The main festival starts by the worshiping 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.

Legend of Jhulelal:-

Mirkhshah, a tyrant and a fanatic, forced Hindus to embrace Islam. The oppressed Hindus prayed. They underwent rituals and vigil on the bank of Sindhu. In the evening, they worshipped God Varun, sang songs in his praise and prayed for their solace and salvation. No new clothes or shoe were used. Men did not shave. And finally on the 40th day, the River god spoke to them.
 The answer to the prayers of Hindus was Jhulelal. He was born to Devaki and Rattanchand of Nasarpur on Cheti Chand, two  tithis from new moon of CHET. A Punjabi astrologer in Nassarpur called the child Uderolal. Udero in Sanskrit means who has sprung from the waters. The inhabitants of Nassarpur called the newborn Amarlal, an immortal child.
 The cradle of Uderolal would swing on its own, hence the child got the name “Jhulelal” which means one who swings to and fro. As a child, Uderolal performed many miracles for Ratanchand and the inhabitants of Nassarpur.

 Mirkhshah became very anxious to have first-hand knowledge about the mysterious child. Divine interventions always led to the defeat of Mirkshah. Finally when Uderolal came face to face with Mirkhshah, he said, "Whatever you see around yourself is the creation of one and only God, whom you call 'Allah' and Hindus call 'Ishwar'. Hindus, Muslims and other human beings are all His creation".
 Mirkhshah. wavering as usual, was ultimately carried away by the pressurization of Maulvies and ordered the arrest of Uderolal. As the officials of the court moved towards Udero, water started flowing in the court. All the courtiers including Mirkhshah found themselves inundated in water. Simultaneously, fire also broke out.
 Finally, Mirkshah realized his mistake and begged of Jhulelal to have mercy on them. Immediately, the fire was blown out on its own and the water receded. The Hindus were saved. Jhulelal was known as the Asht Dev of Sindhis.

Behrana Sahib:-

Baharana Sahib is nothing but a colorful decorative Pooja thali, typically a bronze plate, decorated beautifully on the auspicious occasions like weddings, purchase of new homes and of course Cheti Chand festival. Behrana Sahib- the holy plate- has the following placed in it:
◾Saint Jhulelal’s idol
◾A kalash (earthen vessel) filled with water. A coconut is placed on this jar and it is covered with a red cloth
◾The kalash is also decorated with flowers and leaves.
◾Wheat flour dough is given the shape of a cone, and is decorated with vermillion, cardamom, almonds, cashews and cloves. On top of it, a large piece of refined sugar (Misri) is placed.
◾The wheat cone is cone is surrounded with fresh flowers, fruits, scented dhoop, agarbattis, and five diyas.
◾Rice and sugar is also placed in Behrana Sahib


Sindhi Festival Calendar:-

Younger sindhi generations are more familiar with Gregorian (English) calendar so for their easiness we are giving month wise list of sindhi festivals . Here is Sindhi Festival Calendar (month wise) List of Sindhi / Hindu festivals .

How we celeberate Cheti Chand / Jhulelal Jayanti Festival:-

As a tradition, followers of Jhulelal observe Chaliho Sahab. It suggests that for forty long days and nights they underwent ritual on the bank of Sindhu. They did not shave, nor did they wear new clothes or shoes. They did not use soap or oil or any opulent thing. They just washed their clothes, dried them and wore them again. In the evening, they worshipped Lord Varuna, sang songs in his praise and prayed for their solace and salvation. After 40 days of Chaaliho, the followers of Jhulelal celebrate the occasion with festivity as ‘Thanks Giving Day’ even till today.
On this day, many Sindhis take Baharana Sahib to a nearby river or lake. Baharana Sahib consists of Jyot (Oil Lamp), Misiri (Crystal Sugar), Phota (Cardamom), Fal (Fruits), and Akha. Behind is Kalsh (Water jar) and a Nariyal (Coconut) in it, covered with cloth, phool (flowers) and patta (leaves). There is also a Murti (Idol) of Pujya Jhulelal Devta.

Sindhis keep their shops and activities closed on this day even food is not cooked at the home  and  they gathered at community building (at Jhulelal Temple, where after a session of singing, worship of Jhulelal is made and procession of Bahrano is taken out. Cities Like Ulhasnagar, Ajmer, Indore, Kolhapur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat etc are famous for unique style of Cheti Chand celebration and huge gathering of sindhi people.In City of Lakes at Shakti  nagar  there is a temple of Jhulelal sahib where a fair is organized by the community peoples  on ” Sindhi New Year Day”. Various types of treats are also available for common community peoples.
There  are various places in Lakecity where this holy festival is celebrated with great spirit one of which is located at :-
◾Pratap nagar –in the shiv temple
◾Jawaher nagar Sindhu bhavan
◾Hiran magri sector 5
In UDAIPUR the main temple of Jhulelal sahib (Sanathan Mandir) is situated at Shakti Nagar. Its main feature is a JYOT which is brought by the Ancestors of Sindhi Community after separation of HINDUSTAN (India) & PAKISTAN (1947).
The usual tradition is that on this day Sindhis bring out procession of water God Lord Jhulelal, In the form of Bahrano Sahib from Sindhudham (Jawaher nagar) to Sanatan temple in Shakti nagar where the holy MAHA ARTI takes place . During the procession of Bahrano Sahib traditional sindhi folk dance “Chhej” is performed by all age group Sindhis. After that talented Sindhi students are awarded for their excellence in academics. On this eve of NEW YEAR a Sindhi Fair is also organized by the community people, followed by an arrangement of refreshment is made for all Sindhi Community people.
Lastly, at night there is Visarjan ceremony of Bahrano Sahib.
Here are few of the glimpses of the past years’ celebrations
Cheti Chand Procession
◾The procession is taken to the river or sea shore. Thousands of people take part in the processions that take place in different cities.
◾The procession is vibrant with colorful floats narrating the life of Jhulelal and depicting the traditions and culture of Sindhi community.
◾Cheej is a folk dance of Sindhi, which is performed during the procession. Similarly, there are quite a few songs that also form part of this Cheti Chand procession. Followers sing the songs to seek the blessings of their Ishta Devta Jhulelal.
◾During the procession, the followers carry the Baharana Sahib with them and immerse it in the lake or river along with Akho rice.
◾Akho is a special recipe prepared on this day, using rice and sugar, similar to pudding

Chaliha Sahab festival – 40 days fasting:-

The forty days prayer is still observed by Sindhis during July-August. Many of them don’t shave and change clothes for 40 days. They just wash the clothes and wear them again. They repeat the same ritual for forty days.
Chalia Sahab jo Melo is one of the longest fair held at Chalia Sahib temple in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra. It is believed that special jyot was brought from Sindh in Pakistan to Ulhasnagar, during partition. Aarti is performed everyday at Chalia Sahib temple. Sindhis from all over the world visit this temple during these 40 days and dip into the holy pond. They also immerse earthen pots ‘Matki’ in water.

 The Festivities of Cheti Chand / Jhulelal Jayanti:-

The Festival of Cheti Chand is an occasion for great celebrations. The Sindhi Community from all across the globe engages in religious and joyous activities on this special and pious day. They worship Lord Jhulelal and perform major “Aarthi” on this day. Sindhi people worship water as it is the birthday of the incarnation of Varuna God – The God of Water.
Charitable activities are performed such as the distribution of clothes and food to poor and needy. Delicious meals are prepared and whole family members sit and eat together. They sing hymns in praise of Lord Jhulelal, such as “O Lal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bala Jhule Lalan …” It is the occasion when Sindhi people carry oil lamp, crystal sugar, cardamom, and fruits to Sindhu River and perform Pooja dedicated to Water God.
All together Cheti Chand or Jhulelal Jayanti is a festival of joy, happiness, and celebration