चेटीचंड

Aayo Laal Jhulelaal ! Sabhai ChaO Jhulelaal !!

HariOmGroup wishes you Happy Chetichand

Parva Mangalya

In the beginning of 11th century, Mirkh Shah the fanatical ruler of Thatta in Sindh, a province of Pakistan since 1947; ordered the Hindus to embrace Islam. Hindus collected en masse at the bank of Sindhu Nandi and prayed to Lord Vishnu's Avatar of water God Varun Deva for a savior.

Legend has it that emerging from the river Sindhu, Lord Varun Deva blessed Hindus and consoled them by announcing that he will be born in Ratan Lal's family in Nassarpur to deliver them from the oppression. In year 1007 Udero Lal was born to Ratan Lal and Devaki. Many miracles happened there after.

Legend has it that emerging from the river Sindhu, Lord Varun Deva blessed Hindus and consoled them by announcing that he will be born in Ratan Lal's family in Nassarpur to deliver them from the oppression. In year 1007 Udero Lal was born to Ratan Lal and Devaki. Many miracles happened there after.

As a child, he played "Bal Leelas" and the news of his Divine powers and miracles soon spread throughout Sind. Badshah Murkhshah (the Muslim King at that time) sent his minister and emissaries to verify the truth of the miraculours powers of the child. They soon returned convinced of the mighty powers of Uderolal. However, the arrogant King wanted the child to be brought before him with the ulterior motive of being captured and killed.

Uderolal's meeting with the King proved to be a demonstration of his miraculous power. The King's soldiers attacked Him and, though He was alone, He outwitted them. The King fell on his feet and promised to stop harassing and torturing Hindus. Thus, Uderolal is the triumphant symbol of righteousness, fearlessness and divine benediction.

He moved throughout Sindand preached a message of courage. He often traveled on a palla-fish and is therefore portrayed sitting on a fish. In 1020 AD Uderolal left the earthly scene, disappearing into the waters of the same Sindhu from which he had emerged.

"Cheti-Chand" is thus celebrated as the birth anniversary. The days falls on the New Moon of Month Chaitra.

Chetti Chand is celebrated by Hindus not only as their New Year day but also as the birthday of SaeeN Uderolal, popularly known as Jhule Lal or simply Lal SaeeN. He was born on this day in 1007 A. D. to simple parents in Nasarpur, Sindh reportedly in response to the prayers of Hindus who were being forcibly converted to Islam by the then muslim ruler.

Even as a child, he performed many miracles. These reached the ear of the ruler who became his devotee and gave up his non-sectarian ways. Lal SaeeN is revered as a water god by the predominantly trading class Sindhi Hindus who then traveled abroad by boats. His vehicle (like Garuda for Shiva) was Sindhi Palo (fresh water fish in lower Indusriver), which is also one of the most favourite dishes of our ancestors in Sindh.

Typical cultural celebrations in the evening include Bahrano - a kind of folk dance (with ghunghroos) where the dancers (joined by the audience) also sing Jhule Lal songs. The prayers include Akho which means lighting Diyas (earthenware lamps) and setting them afloat in rivers or water. The prasad (food offering) includes Dhodho (nan from jowar or buckwheat) and mint chutney. This may be followed by a pot luck vegetarian dinner.

Sa'ain Uderolal was also called "Jhoole Lal" (Jewel of the Cradle) as many a childish prank was played from the cradle.

Books

Audios

Videos

Program Videos