Cheti Chand 2017: All you need to know about the Sindhi New Year

On Cheti Chand, Sindhis worship water God which is considered to be the elixir of life

Updated: March 29, 2017 10:21 AM IST

By Nithya Nair

Cheti Chand 2017: All you need to know about the Sindhi New Year

Cheti Chand marks the new year of Sindhi community around the world. The festival is celebrated on the second day of Chaitra month, a day after Ugadi and Gudi Padwa. This year Cheti Chand falls on March 29, 2017.  The word chet is derived from the month Chaitra and hence known as Chet-i-Chand. The day is celebrated with great pomp and fervor by the community members. The festival is celebrated in honour of the birth of Ishtadeva Uderolal who is believed to be the patron saint of the Sindhis.

Sindhis worship water on this day which is considered to be the elixir of life. Chaliho Sahab is observed by the followers of Jhulela who say that they performed rituals for forty days on the bank of Sindhu river. They pray to God to save them from forced conversion. As per myths, it is believed that River God promised them that a divine child will be born in Nasarpur to save its people from a danger. And that divine child is believed to be a Saint Jhulelal. The followers for that period live a life of simplicity and do not shave or wear new clothes, shoes thus keeping away from everything luxurious. They worship Varun, considered as the deity of water and sing his praise for solace and salvation. Cheti Chand: Why & How do we celebrate Sindhi New Year’s Day?

After completing 40 days, the followers of Jhulela celebrate the festival of Cheti Chand. Main rituals including taking Baharana Sahib to a nearby river or lake. Baharana Sahib includes and oil lamp, sugar, cardamom, fruits and a photo or statue of the deity, Pujya Jhulelal Devta. It also includes a water jar and coconut which is covered in cloth, leaves, and flowers. Sindhis take part in community meetings and various programmes on this day. Dishes made on this auspicious day include sai bhaaji, meethi chawal, and boondi raita. We at India.com wish all Sindhis around the world a ‘Happy Cheti Chand’.

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