Sindhi New Year 2025: When is Jhulelal Jayanti and Cheti Chand? Date, Timings, and Celebrations

Sindhi New Year 2025: When is Jhulelal Jayanti and Cheti Chand? Date, Timings, and Celebrations

Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year, is a highly significant festival for the Sindhi community in India and Pakistan. The festival marks the birth anniversary of Ishtadeva Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal, the revered patron saint of Sindhis.

Cheti Chand 2025 Date & Muhurat

Cheti Chand is observed on the second day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, as per the Hindu calendar. This day is usually celebrated one day after Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, which mark the beginning of the Hindu New Year in different regions of India.

The festival is named Cheti Chand because it marks the first sighting of the new moon (Chand) in the month of Cheti (Chaitra). The festival symbolizes prosperity, new beginnings, and gratitude to the water element, which is vital for life.

History and Legend of Jhulelal

The Sindhi community venerates Saint Jhulelal as their protector and savior. Although the exact year of his birth is unknown, it is believed that he was born in the 10th century in Nasarpur, Sindh. During this time, Sindh was ruled by the Sumras, a dynasty known for religious tolerance. However, a tyrannical ruler named Mirkshah threatened the Hindu Sindhis, forcing them to convert to Islam or face persecution.

The Sindhis, in distress, prayed to the River God for 40 days, seeking divine intervention. Their prayers were answered, and it was prophesied that a divine child would be born to protect them. This child was Jhulelal, who grew up to become a spiritual leader and miraculously saved the community from forced conversions.

How is Cheti Chand Celebrated?

Cheti Chand is a day of grand celebrations and religious rituals. Some of the key traditions include:

• Jhulelal Worship: Devotees offer prayers to Jhulelal and the River God. Water, being the elixir of life, holds special significance in the celebrations.
• Processions: Large processions take place, where people carry Jhulelal’s idol on a decorated palaquin (jhankis), singing hymns and devotional songs.
• Akho Ritual: A ritual known as Akho involves placing wheat grains in a bowl of water as a symbol of prosperity and gratitude.
• Community Feasts: Traditional Sindhi delicacies like Sai Bhaji, Dal Pakwan, and Sindhi Kadhi are prepared and shared with family and friends.
• Charitable Acts: People donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy as a way of seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.