abstract
| - 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. This day is considered to be very auspicious and is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. On this day, people worship water – the elixir of life. Followers of Jhulelal observe Chaliho Sahab. It suggests that for forty long days and nights they undergo rituals and keep vigil on the bank of Sindhu. They do not shave, nor do they wear new clothes or shoes. They do not use soap or oil or any opulent thing. They just wash their clothes, dry them and wear them again. In the evening, they worship God Varun, sing songs in his praise and pray for their solace and salvation. After forty days of Chaaliho, the followers of Jhulelal celebrate the occasion with festivity as 'Thanks Giving Day'. On this day, many Sindhis take Baharana Sahib to a nearby river or lake. Baharana Sahib consists of tyot (oil lamp), misiri (crystal sugar), phota (cardamom), fal (fruits), and akha. Behind is kalsh (water jar) and a nariyal (coconut) in it, covered with cloth, phool (flowers) and patta (leaves). There is also a murti (Idol) of Pujya Jhulelal Devta.
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