Cheti Chand: The Sindhi New Year and Jhulelal Jayanti Explained

Cheti Chand is the most important festival that belongs only to the Sindhi community. It is celebrated as the Sindhi New Year and as the birth anniversary of Jhulelal (also called Uderolal or Varun Dev), the patron saint of Sindhis.

Quick answer

• What: Sindhi New Year and Jhulelal Jayanti
• When: the second day of the month of Chet (Chaitra), after the new moon — usually in March or April
• How: Bahrana Sahib offering to water, prayers at Jhulelal temples, processions, Chhej dance and community meals

Why is it called Cheti Chand?

"Chet" is the month and "Chand" is the moon. The festival falls when the first new moon of Chet is seen, which is why the date changes every year on the English calendar. Check your local panchang or Sindhi temple for the exact date.

Who was Jhulelal?

Sindhi tradition says Jhulelal appeared to protect the people of Sindh and their faith. He is linked with water, which is why he is often shown sitting on a fish (palla) on the river Indus. Many Sindhis greet each other with "Jhulelal" or "Ayo Lal, Jhulelal".

How Sindhis celebrate Cheti Chand

Bahrana Sahib

A Bahrana Sahib is an offering carried to a river, lake or sea. It usually includes a diya, mishri, fruit, flowers, cloves and elaichi, often with a kalash and coconut. After prayers, the offering is given to the water.

Processions and Chhej

Many cities hold processions with music and dhol. People perform Chhej, the Sindhi folk dance, with sticks and rhythm.

Food and seva

Temples and community groups serve prasad and meals. Families often make tahiri (sweet rice) and chana as prasad.

Cheti Chand and Chaliho

Cheti Chand is different from Chaliho Sahib, a 40-day period of prayer to Jhulelal observed in summer.

Cheti Chand and new beginnings

Because it is the New Year, many families see Cheti Chand as a good time for new beginnings — starting a business, a new home, or even talks for a rishta. Community events also bring young Sindhis and families together.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cheti Chand a holiday?

Some Indian states with large Sindhi populations give a holiday; it depends on the state and year.

What do you say on Cheti Chand?

Common greetings are "Cheti Chand jyun lakh lakh vadhayun" and "Jhulelal".

Do non-Sindhis join Cheti Chand?

Yes, processions and community meals are open and many friends and neighbours join.

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