Jhulelal Jayanti 2024: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance
Jhulelal Jayanti is the most well-known event in Sindhi community. Another name for Baba Jhulelal is Zinda Peer, but he is also known as Laal Sai, Udero Lal, Varun Dev, Dulah Lal, and Dariya Lal. The Sindhi Hindus consider Jhulelal to be an incarnation of the Hindu god Varuna, and the word is used to describe their most beloved deity, the Ishta Dev. Jhule Lal Jhule Lal is the “clarion call” of Sindhi Hindus. The celebration is held on the first day of the Sindhi month of Chet (Chaitra), which corresponds to the beginning of the year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
Jhulelal Jayanti Date 2024
April 9, 2024, Tuesday
Chaitra, Shukla Pratipada/Dwitiya
Legend Related To Cheti Chand/Jhulelal Jayanti
Legend has it that in the tenth century, the expansive and bountiful kingdom of Sindh was governed by a tyrannical monarch called Mirkhshah. He was often threatening the locals. On the banks of the Sindh River, the group gathered and prayed to their gods, their hearts broken by the unrelenting dangers they faced. After forty days of fasting, a divine prophecy was supposedly bestowed upon them.
Devaki and Ratanchand Lohano would be rescued from their troubles by a holy baby, according to the prophecy. From this infancy came Jhulelal, the Swing Lord. The whole Sindhu River supposedly flowed through the baby’s mouth, according to witnesses. Mirkshah exhausted all of his attempts to vanquish Jhulelal, but to no avail. Jhulelal encountered Mirkshah as he matured and transformed him with his divine wisdom. The kingdom of Sindh was at peace again.
Jhulelal Jayanti Rituals
- Countless Sindhis bring their Behrana Sahib—a combination of an oil lamp, crystal sugar, cardamom, grapes, and Akha—to a nearby body of water on this auspicious day.
- A Jhulelal idol is always by their side.
- Soon after, the five-wicked wheat flour lamp known as Jyot Jagan is ignited.
- Before sharing the prasad, the Sindhis sing Pallav to ask God to bless Behrano Saheb as he is submerged in water.
- In addition to providing healthy meals for all members of the family and extended family, charitable events take place, such as donating clothing and food to those in need.
- “Cheti Chand Jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav” is a common way for people to welcome each other.
Importance of Jhulelal Jayanti/Cheti Chand
“Chaitra” is known as “Chet” in Sindhi, meaning the first month. In addition, the Sindhi community calls the event “Cheti Chand” since each month in this Panchang starts with the new moon, or Chand. ‘Akho,’ a small amount of rice, milk, and flour, was traditionally offered to a river or lake on the day of the full moon. If a river or ‘Darya’ is not available, the ritual should be performed at a well.
For Sindhis, this is a pivotal day since it was on this day when Varun Dev, in his guise as Jhulelal, rescued the Sindhi people from an oppressive monarch who sought to eradicate Hinduism and Sindhi culture. It’s a time to honor the God of Water by giving thanks and praying to him. The Sindhis observe a forty-day period of prayer called Chaliho. In the aftermath of Chaliho, the Sindhis celebrate Cheti Chand. Additionally, they observe fasting and break their fast with fruits eaten after prayer.
The stars align on this day, making it a good one to launch a new venture. Following their devotion to Jhulelal, the Sindhi people showcase their vibrant culture through traditional arts, poetry, dance, and drama.
