Just like Ugadi is the New
Year in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and Gudi
Padwa is the New Year Day in Maharashtra, Cheti
Chand, which falls on the same day, is the Sindhi
New Year Day. Cheti Chand is celebrated as the
birthday of Water god (Varun Devta) Sai Uderolal,
popularly known as Jhulelal.
On this day Many sindhis take Baharana Sahib to
nearby River or Lake. Baharana Sahib Consists
of Jyot, Misiri, Phota, Fal, Akha. Behind is Kalsh
and a Nariyal in it,
covered with Cloth and phool, patta. There is
also Murti of Pujya Jhulelal Devta.
The Sindhi community celebrates the festival of
Cheti Chand in honour of the birth of Ishtadeva
Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal, the Patron
Saint of the Sindhis.
Followers of Jhulelal observe Chaliho Sahab. It
suggests that for forty long days and nights they
underwent rituals and vigil 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 God Varun, 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.
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