In 2026, Cheti Chand will be celebrated on 20 March, marking the beginning of the Sindhi New Year and the birth anniversary of the revered saint Jhulelal.
Falling during the auspicious period of the Chaitra month, this festival beautifully aligns with the spirit of spring—symbolising renewal, hope, and new beginnings.
What is Cheti Chand?
Cheti Chand is the New Year festival of Sindhi Hindus, observed on the second day (Dwitiya) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.
The name itself reflects its timing—“Cheti” refers to the Sindhi month of Chaitra, and “Chand” means moon, indicating the lunar calendar’s importance in determining the festival.
It is not just a new year celebration, but a day of cultural identity, unity, and spiritual devotion for the Sindhi community across the world.
Significance and the Story Behind the Festival
Cheti Chand is primarily celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal, the patron saint and protector of Sindhi Hindus.
According to legend, the Sindhi community once faced religious persecution under a ruler named Mirkhshah. In their distress, they prayed to the water deity Varuna, seeking protection. Their prayers were answered with the birth of Jhulelal, believed to be an incarnation of Varuna, who stood for justice, unity, and religious harmony.
Jhulelal preached that all religions lead to the same divine truth and opposed forced conversions, becoming a symbol of faith, courage, and communal harmony.
Thus, Cheti Chand is not only a celebration of a new year but also a remembrance of resilience, devotion, and cultural survival.
Rituals and Traditions
The festival is marked by vibrant rituals and community celebrations:
●Baharana Sahib Procession: Devotees prepare a sacred offering called Baharana Sahib, which includes a diya (lamp), fruits, sugar crystals, and other symbolic items. This is carried in a procession to a nearby river or water body as an offering to Jhulelal.
●Jhulelal Worship: Temples and homes resonate with bhajans, aarti, and prayers dedicated to Jhulelal.
●Fasting and Devotion: Many devotees observe fasts and engage in prayers, sometimes linked to the tradition of Chaliho, a period of intense devotion.
●Community Gatherings: Cultural programs, fairs, and processions are organised, strengthening social bonds and preserving Sindhi heritage.
Food and Festive Offerings
Food plays a significant role in Cheti Chand celebrations. Traditional offerings and dishes include:
•Sweet rice and prasad
•Fruits and jaggery-based preparations
•Chickpeas and other simple sattvic foods
These foods symbolise gratitude, prosperity, and sharing within the community.
Where and How It is Celebrated
Cheti Chand is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Sindhi communities across India, as well as globally wherever Sindhi diaspora resides.
Processions, devotional singing, and festive gatherings create an atmosphere of joy, devotion, and cultural pride, keeping traditions alive across generations.
A Festival of Faith and New Beginnings
At its core, Cheti Chand is a celebration of new beginnings, faith, and unity. It reflects the Sindhi community’s deep-rooted spiritual values and their enduring connection to their heritage.
As spring brings renewal to nature, Cheti Chand inspires people to begin anew—with hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.