| Cheti Chand | |
| Observed by | Sindhis |
|---|---|
| Type | Sindhi New Year's Day |
| Date | March/April |
| 2008 date | April 6 |
| Celebrations | 1 day |
Cheti Chand is celebrated as New Year's Day by Sindhis, which falls on the same day as Ugadi, the New Year in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and Gudi Padwa, the New Year Day in Maharashtra. Sindhis ( Sindhi: سنڌي) are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating in Sindh in Pakistan. New Year's Day is the first day of the Year. On the modern Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 1, as it was also in ancient Rome (though Sindhis ( Sindhi: سنڌي) are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating in Sindh in Pakistan. Ugadi ( Telugu: ఉగాది Kannada: ಯುಗಾದಿ - from ಯುಗ yuga, era + ಆದಿ ādi, beginning the start of an era is the Gudhi Padwa (Devnagari गुढीपाडवा is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month and is celebrated as New Year's Day by Maharashtrians
According to the Hindu calendar, Cheti Chand is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month known as Chet in Sindhi. Hence it is known as CHET-I-CHAND.
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 pompous 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 underwent rituals and vigil on the bank of Sindhu. They did not shave, nor did they wear new clothes or shoes. They did not use soap or oil or any opulent thing. They just washed their clothes, dried them and wore them again. In the evening, they worshipped God Varun, sang songs in his praise and prayed for their solace and salvation. After 40 days of Chaaliho, the followers of Jhulelal celebrate the occasion with festivity as 'Thanks Giving Day' even till today.
On this day many Sindhis take Baharana Sahib to nearby River or Lake. Baharana Sahib Consists of Jyot, Misiri, Phota, Fal, Akha. Behind is Kalsh and a Nariyal in it, covered with Cloth and phool, patta. There is also Murti of Pujya Jhulelal Devta.
How to wish
When you meet any Sindhi and want to wish him for Sindhi New Year, you say "Cheti Chand jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav". In response "Tohan khe bhi Cheti Chand jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav".
References
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