Cheti Chand 2025: The Festival of Sindhi New Year and Jhulelal Jayanti
Cheti Chand is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Sindhi community in India and Pakistan. It marks the Sindhi New Year and is observed as the birth anniversary of Ishtadeva Uderolal, who is popularly known as Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis. The festival is celebrated with devotion, joy, and grand festivities, symbolizing the victory of faith over oppression and the importance of water as a life-sustaining element.
Read this: Ishtadeva Lord Jhulelal: The Divine Protector of the Sindhi Community
Cheti Chand 2025 Date and Muhurat
In 2025, Cheti Chand falls on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The important timings for the festival are as follows:
- Cheti Chand Muhurat: 06:38 PM to 07:45 PM (Duration: 1 hour 07 minutes)
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 04:27 PM on March 29, 2025
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 12:49 PM on March 30, 2025
These timings are based on the New Delhi, India Panchang and may vary slightly based on location.
Significance of Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand is observed on the second day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha in the Hindu calendar, usually following Ugadi and Gudi Padwa. This day is considered highly auspicious as it marks the first sighting of the new moon in the month of Cheti (Chaitra), hence the name Cheti Chand.
The festival holds deep religious significance for Sindhis as it is dedicated to Jhulelal Sahib, who is believed to be the divine savior sent to protect Sindhi Hindus from persecution. Sindhis also consider this festival as a day to honor the life-sustaining power of water, as rivers and oceans are worshipped on this occasion.
The Legend of Jhulelal
The origins of Cheti Chand date back to the 10th century in Sindh (now in Pakistan). At that time, Sindh was ruled by the Sumra dynasty, which was known for its tolerance towards different faiths. However, a tyrannical ruler named Mirkshah began forcing Sindhi Hindus to convert to Islam under the threat of execution. Fearing for their religious freedom, the Sindhi Hindus prayed to the River God (Varun Dev) for salvation.
Their prayers were answered after forty days of worship. The River God promised them the birth of a divine savior in Nasarpur, who would protect them from the oppression of Mirkshah. Soon, Uderolal was born and was later known as Jhulelal, the saint who miraculously fought against injustice and saved the Sindhi Hindus from forced conversions.
Since then, Sindhis revere Jhulelal Sahib as their spiritual guide and protector. Cheti Chand is celebrated as his birthday (Jhulelal Jayanti), reminding Sindhis of their rich cultural heritage and the values of faith, unity, and devotion.
Rituals and Traditions of Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand celebrations involve a mix of spiritual rituals, cultural performances, and social gatherings. Here are some of the important traditions associated with this festival:
1. Worship of Water (Jhulelal Worship)
Water, considered the elixir of life, holds a special place in Cheti Chand celebrations. Devotees gather near rivers, lakes, or other water bodies to perform rituals dedicated to Varun Dev (God of Water) and Jhulelal Sahib.
2. Bahrano Sahib Procession
One of the most prominent traditions of Cheti Chand is the Bahrano Sahib procession, where devotees carry an idol of Jhulelal Sahib on a beautifully decorated Palki (palanquin). The procession includes:
- Devotees singing Sindhi devotional songs and bhajans.
- Carrying of Akho (a pot filled with water and wheat grains), symbolizing prosperity.
- Lighting of Jyot (sacred lamp), representing divine guidance.
3. Fasting and Prayers
Many devotees observe a fast on this day, breaking it only after offering prayers to Jhulelal Sahib. They visit temples and listen to Panchang readings, seeking blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
4. Cultural Celebrations
- Sindhi folk dances and music performances are organized in various places.
- Traditional Sindhi cuisine like Sai Bhaji, Sindhi Kadhi, and Koki is prepared and shared with family and friends.
- People greet each other with “Cheti Chand Jhulelal Bera Hee Paar”, meaning “May Jhulelal help us sail through life’s difficulties.”
Cheti Chand Across the World
Though primarily celebrated in India and Pakistan, Cheti Chand is also observed by Sindhi communities worldwide, including in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In cities with large Sindhi populations, grand community gatherings, cultural programs, and spiritual events are organized to honor Jhulelal Sahib.
Modern Relevance of Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand serves as a reminder of Sindhi heritage, unity, and resilience. The Sindhi community, despite historical challenges, has preserved its language, culture, and traditions across generations. The festival also highlights the importance of religious harmony, faith, and devotion.
In today’s world, Cheti Chand encourages Sindhis to:
- Stay connected with their roots and cultural identity.
- Promote peace and brotherhood among communities.
- Carry forward the values of resilience, kindness, and devotion taught by Jhulelal Sahib.
Conclusion
Cheti Chand 2025, falling on March 30, will be celebrated with great fervor by Sindhis worldwide. As it marks the Sindhi New Year and Jhulelal Jayanti, it is a time for prayer, reflection, and celebration. Through water worship, processions, cultural programs, and feasts, the Sindhi community pays homage to their patron saint and embraces the values he stood for.
As the saying goes, “Jhulelal Bera Hee Paar”—May Jhulelal bless everyone with prosperity, peace, and protection! Happy Cheti Chand 2025!
