Cheti Chand is a significant festival for the Sindhi community, marking the birth anniversary of Ishtadeva Uderolal, also known as Jhulelal. It also symbolizes the beginning of the Sindhi New Year. As per the Hindu calendar, Cheti Chand falls on the second day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha or the Sindhi month of Chet. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated on March 30, coinciding with Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.

Date and Timings of Cheti Chand this year: 

The Sindhi New Year will be observed on Sunday, March 30. As per Drik Panchang, the auspicious muhurat begins at 6:38 PM and ends at 7:45 PM. The Pratipada Tithi starts at 4:27 PM on March 29 and concludes at 12:49 PM on March 30.

History of Cheti Chand

According to legend, a Muslim ruler named Mirkhshah in Sindh attempted to force Hindus to convert to Islam. In response, Sindhi Hindus prayed to Lord Varuna, the Hindu god of water, for 40 days along the River Indus. On the 40th day, they received a prophecy that a divine child would be born to a couple in Nasarpur to protect them.

Devaki and Ratanchand Lohano were blessed with a son, Udaichand, who later became known as Jhulelal when his cradle miraculously started rocking on its own. Mirkhshah made multiple attempts to harm Jhulelal but failed each time, eventually accepting defeat.

Significance of the festival 

The festival holds deep religious and cultural importance for Sindhis, as it commemorates the appearance of Varun Dev as Jhulelal, who safeguarded Sindhi culture and Hinduism. The day is also dedicated to thanking and worshipping the God of Water.

Sindhis observe a 40-day practice called Chaliho, during which they pray and fast. On Cheti Chand, they worship near water bodies, light Jyot Jagan (a wheat-flour diya with five wicks), and make offerings known as Behrana Sahib, which includes an oil lamp, fruits, sugar, cardamom, and Akho.