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JHULELAL SAI
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What is Chaliyo ?
Chaliyo Sahib is a forty day long festival celebrated by Sindhi Hindus. This festival is celebrated as a gratitude to Sai Uderolal popularly known as Jhulelal Sai or Lal Sai or Dulha Lal or Zinda Pir, considered a reincarnation of Hindu God Varun Dev.
This forty day long festival is a thanksgiving celebrations in honor of God Varun Dev for listening their prayers and saving the entire Sindhi community.
Who is God Jhulelal ? Why do we celebrate Chaliyo festival ?
It was the time around the tenth 10 century CE the province of Thatta in Sindh came under the rule of the Maktab Khan he acquired the Kingdom by killing shah Sadakat Khan and crowned himself as Mrikh Shah . As soon as he was crowned , his Maulvis (Courtiers) advised him to spread Islam in order to acquire Janat (heaven) upon their advice, he called the Mukhi (Hindu-Leader) to embrace Islam or prepare to die.
The Mukhi (Hindu-Leader) was terrified and begged for sometime to consider the Shahi farman (Royal edict) while trying to find a solution to the problem, with the Hindu Sindhi people. It was discussed about the promise of "Lord Krishna in Bhagvad Gita" Whenever the Sin's increases beyond the limit and the religion, seems to be endangered I will come in the form of Avtar (Incarnate) and mitigate the distress of my worshippers.
To Save themselves from wicked Mrikh Shah the Sindhi Hindus turned to God Varun Dev the God of the River's. Thousands of Sindhis gathered on the bank of River Sindhu and prayed Jal Devta Dariya Shah (Water God) for safe guarding them from the cruel and undesirable action's of Mrikh Shah.
During the prayer time people wear the same clothes, without Shaving, without any footwear, also took the bath without oil and soap and took fasting, simple food was served one time, people slept at the bank's of Sindhu River praying and singing lullaby for God also know as (Lal ja Panjras) in Sindhi.
At the end of the 40th day, they heard a divine voice (Akashwani) from heaven. The heavenly voice told them that 8 months from now I shall take birth in the house of Ratanchand Lohana and from the womb of Mata Devki in Nasarpur and will rescue you all. On Cheti- Chand day Mata Devki gave birth to a baby boy, the child was name "Udaychand" means (Rising moon). Immediately upon the birth of the child the parents saw in his mouth Sindhu River flowing and an old man riding on a Palla Fish upstream in a northerly direction.
He was also called "Uderolal" it is said that when "Uderolal" was a child his cradle (swing) rocked itself to lull him to sleep earning him the name JHULELAL-the lord of Swing.
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| Jhulelal-Lord of Swing |
The news of the miraculous JHULELAL soon reached Mrikh Shah, who decided to arrest him, water started flowing in the court, all those present found themselves inundated in water. Simultaneously fire also broke out and the palace became a towering inferno no way to escape, however he was unsuccessful in his attempt. Soon Mrikh Shah realised his mistake and pleaded to JHULELAL Sai, please save my courtiers and me, and agreed to treat Hindu's and Muslim's equally. Hence all the Sindhi Hindus were saved from the wicked Mrikh Shah.
Henceforth, Sindhis worship Sai JHULELAL as their " Ishita Deva"
Since then this tradition is been followed annually till today in the form of Chaliyo Sahib as one of the most important and religious festival of Sindhi community.
Chaliyo fasting rituals !
Those who observed this fast had to follow the following obligations.
* Observe Brahmacharya.
* One cannot sleep in a bed only on the floor.
* Wearing only two sets of clothes for all forty days and washing it with only simple water.
* Wear simple clothes and not to wear leather belts, or leather shoes, chappals or sandals be barefooted wherever you go.
* Not to shave or cut hair and nails, not to use soap and oil and bath with plain water.
* Not to eat fried eatables, non-vegetarian food, no use of onion and garlic in the food.
* Not consuming anything white in color like milk, banana, curds and rice.
* Having meal only once in a day and living a purely simple life.
When do we celebrate Chaliyo festival ?
The 40 day long festival is observed every year in the month of July to August dates vary according to Hindu calander. This is a thanks-giving celebration in honor of God Varun Dev and Jhulelal Sai for listening to their prayers.
This is most important festival, to keep this tradition alive all Hindu Sindhis even today celebrate the festival of Chaliyo Sahib by keeping forty days of penance.
While some people fast only on the first and the last day of Chaliyo Sahib, others fast for the last nine days or for all the forty days.
For all the forty days the celebration takes place in the Jhulelal Sai temples, where all the Sindhi men and women sing and dance in front of the idol of Jhulelal Sai people also on their folk music and sing devotional songs and bhajans.
Chaliyo Sahib Summary of Part One : Celebrating Faith, Resilience, and Community Spirit of the Sindhis
Chaliyo Sahib, a vibrant and faith-filled festival, unfolds over 40 days each year, observed by the Sindhi Hindu community. It's a celebration steeped in gratitude, honoring the brave history and divine intervention that protected their ancestors.
A Story of Faith and Resilience
Legend narrates a time of hardship for the Sindhi community. A cruel ruler forced them to convert from their faith. Faced with this threat, they turned to Varun Dev, the God of Water, for solace and salvation. For 40 days, they gathered on the banks of the Indus River, offering prayers and unwavering devotion.
Their faith was answered. A divine voice promised a savior, and soon after, Jhulelal Sai was born. As Jhulelal grew, he emerged as a protector, shielding the Sindhi community from persecution.
Chaliyo Sahib: A Time for Devotion
Chaliyo Sahib commemorates this period of resilience and divine grace. Devotees observe a 40-day fast, with varying levels of austerity. Some fast for the entire duration, while others participate for the first and last day or the final nine days.
Simplicity is a hallmark of the festival. Devotees wear basic clothing, abstain from certain foods, and maintain a focus on prayer. This dedication reflects the hardships faced by their ancestors.
A Celebration of Community
Chaliyo Sahib isn't just about individual reflection. It's a vibrant community celebration. Jhulelal Sai temples come alive with music and dance. Sindhi men and women gather to sing devotional songs and bhajans, their voices echoing their gratitude and strengthening their cultural bonds.
A Look Beyond
Chaliyo Sahib transcends a historical event. It's a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. It's a reminder of the importance of faith, community, and the power of collective action. So, the next time you hear about Chaliyo Sahib, remember the story behind the celebration – a story of resilience, faith, and the unwavering spirit of a community.
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