Cheti Chand 2025: Jhulelal Jayanti and Sindhi New Year 2025
The 1st of Chet, falling on Monday, March 31, 2025, marks Jhulelal Jayanti and the Sindhi New Year, celebrated as Cheti Chand. This sacred day, observed on the second day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra (March-April), honors the birth of Uderolal, revered as Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis.
Cheti Chand meaning
The name Cheti Chand is derived from two words: “Cheti”, referring to Chaitra, the first month of the Sindhi and Hindu lunisolar calendar, and “Chand”, meaning moon. This festival marks the appearance of the new moon in the month of Chaitra, symbolizing new beginnings and the arrival of the Sindhi New Year.
The origins of this festival trace back to 1007 CE (Vikram Samvat calendar) when Sindhi Hindus faced religious persecution under Mirkhshah, a ruler who sought to impose forced conversions. Seeking divine help, they prayed to Varuna, the water deity, who manifested as Jhulelal. Appearing as both a valiant warrior on horseback and a wise old sage, he preached a message of unity and religious harmony. His timeless words, “God is one, but known by many names,” became a pillar of peace and coexistence.
As Cheti Chand 2025 approaches, Sindhis worldwide will come together to celebrate faith, resilience, and cultural heritage, honoring the enduring legacy of Jhulelal and his teachings of harmony.
Overview of Celebrations
Jhulelal Jayanti ushers in spring and harvest, blending cultural and spiritual observances:
- Baharana Sahib: A central ritual featuring a ceremonial pot adorned with a kalash (metal pot), coconut, flowers, and an oil lamp. It holds sugar, fruits, and akha (roasted rice), symbolizing prosperity and Jhulelal’s blessings.
- Akhand Jyot: A sacred lamp burns continuously in homes and temples, signizing divine presence.
- Processions and Devotion: Followers carry Baharana Sahib to water bodies, singing hymns like Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar. Idols of Jhulelal are paraded, accompanied by traditional dances such as Chej.
- Community Feasts: Shared meals highlight Sindhi cuisine, including tairi (sweet rice) and saibhaji (spinach curry), fostering unity.
When and Where :Previous Dates of Cheti Chand festival
| Description | Date | Cheti Chand Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| Cheti Chand 2024 | March 23, 2023 Thursday | Celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Dwitiya. |
| Cheti Chand 2023 | April 10, 2024 Wednesday | Observed as the Sindhi New Year and Jhulelal Jayanti. |
| Cheti Chand 2025 | March 31, 2025 Monday | confirmed on Chaitra Shukla Dwitiya. |
Jhulelal Jayanti’s date aligns with the moon’s visibility in Chaitra, typically in March or April. Major celebrations occur in:
- India: Sindhi hubs like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
- Pakistan: Sindh province, where shrines like Uderolal’s in Matiari draw devotees.
- Global Diaspora: Communities in the U.S., U.K., and Canada preserve traditions through cultural events.
Chaliho Sahib: The 40-Day Vow
Following Jhulelal Jayanti, Sindhis observe Chaliho Sahib, a 40-day fast (Chaliya) as penance for Jhulelal’s aid. Devotees abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol, reciting the Chaliha Sahib prayer. The fast culminates in Chaliha Sahib, a thanksgiving festival where offerings are made to fire and water, reaffirming faith and gratitude.
Cultural and Environmental Significance
Jhulelal Jayanti transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing interfaith harmony. Rituals near rivers underscore ecological reverence, aligning with Jhulelal’s association with water. Post-1947 Partition, the festival became a cornerstone for Sindhi identity preservation, blending ancient traditions with modern diaspora experiences.
Conclusion
Jhulelal Jayanti is a vibrant tapestry of faith, history, and renewal. Through its rituals and legends, it champions unity, sustainability, and cultural pride, ensuring the Sindhi legacy thrives globally. Jhulelal’s message of coexistence remains a guiding light, making the festival a timeless celebration of resilience and hope.
The Sindhi New Year, celebrated as Cheti Chand, is not just a festival but a reminder of our deep-rooted history and cultural pride. The Sindhi calendar, which is over 5,000 years old, predates both the Gregorian and Arabic calendars. It traces its origins back to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest and most advanced societies, where Sindhis were among the earliest traders, merchants, and seafarers.
For centuries, Sindh flourished as a hub of commerce and culture, connecting trade routes from Mesopotamia to Central Asia. However, this golden era saw a decline following Muhammod bin Qasem’s invasion in 711 CE, which disrupted Sindh’s autonomy. The subsequent British colonization further marginalized Sindhi heritage, replacing local traditions with foreign systems.
Despite these historical upheavals, Sindhis have preserved their rich cultural identity, and Sindhi calendar stands as a testament to their resilience. It marks a new beginning, celebrating the birth of Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis, who symbolizes faith, unity, and perseverance. As we observe this day, we honor our ancestors and reaffirm our commitment to keeping Sindh’s ancient legacy alive.