In Sindh the beginning of the new year was called Cheti Chand. Most of the businessmen opened new account books on this day as was also done on Diwali eve but usually preferred on Cheti Chand. On the full moon day, people used to go to a river or lake or water body and offer ‘Akho’ - a pinch of rice mixed with milk and flour. and incase there was no river , the ritual was performed at a well.
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
A procession is taken out to a river front or sea shore with colorful floats, depicting the life of the Saint and other aspects of Sindhi culture. ‘Chhej’-the Sindhi folk dance is performed with the procession. Bahrano Saheb is immersed in the water along with “Akho”. which is customarily involved with singing of Lal Sain’s Panjras and Palav to seek his grace.
The story behind this goes that Mirkhshah- a tyrant and fanatic, forced Hindus to embrace Islam. The oppressed Hindus prayed & underwent rituals and vigil on the bank of the Sindhu river.They worshipped God Varun, sang songs in his praise and prayed for their solace and salvation. No new clothes or shoe were used. Men did not shave. And finally on the 40th day, the River god spoke to them.
He answered the prayers of the Hindus by presenting them with Jhulelal
Jhulelal was born to Devaki and Rattanchand of Nasarpur on Cheti Chand, two tithis from new moon of CHET. A Punjabi astrologer in Nassarpur called the child Uderolal, Udero in Sanskrit meaning 1 who has sprung from the waters while the inhabitants of Nassarpur called him Amarlal, an immortal child.
The cradle of Uderolal used to swing on its own, hence the name “Jhulelal” which means one who swings to and fro. While still being a kid Uderolal performed many miracles for Ratanchand and the inhabitants of Nassarpur.
Mirkhshah came to know about this child & was very curious. One day when Uderolal came face to face with Mirkhshah, he said, “Whatever you see around yourself is the creation of one and only God, whom you call ‘Allah’ and Hindus call ‘Ishwar’. Hindus, Muslims and other human beings are all His creation”.
Mirkhshah pressurized by the Maulvies ordered the arrest of Uderolal. As the officials of the court moved towards Udero, water started flowing in the court. All the courtiers including Mirkhshah found themselves inundated in water. Simultaneously, fire also broke out. Mirkhshah realizing that he was really against some divine power whom he could not defeat begged for mercy.Immediately, the fire was blown out on its own and the water receded. The Hindus were saved & Jhulelal also came to be known as the Asht Dev of Sindhis.
