The 'Sindhi community,' which is spread across India, celebrates a variety of rituals and holidays. The Sindhis, one of the earliest civilizations in human history, have a rich and distinct cultural heritage and are quite celebratory. The birthdays of Lord Jhoolelal and Cheti Chand are the most prominent festivals for Hindu Sindhis. This article will explain to you the concepts related to the Sindhi festivals Which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Sindhi Religion

• Sindhi religion originated in Sindh, a region bordering India and Pakistan. Sindhis were those who began migrating to India following partition.
• Bhagwan Jhulelal, also known as 'Ishta Dev,' is the deity of Sindhi faith. His devotees believe he is an avatar of Varuna (water god).
• Varun Dev is also revered in Sindhi society as the God of the Sea, the Protector of Truth, and the Deity with Divine Vision.
• They believe that water is life and that it is the source of all happiness. Sindhis' Ishta Devs are Jal-Jyoti, Varunavatar, and Jhulelal.
• Sindhis pray for world peace, joy, gladness, greenery, and prosperity while praying.

Sindhi Festivals

• Sindhi society commemorates Lord Jhulelal's incarnation as Chetichand. On the Shukla Paksha of the month Bado.
• The Sindhis, one of the first civilizations, have a rich and distinct cultural legacy that they are proud of.
• For Hindu Sindhis, the births of Lord Jhoolelal and Cheti Chand are the most important festivities.

Chaliho Sahib

• It is the Sindhi Community's event. In the months of July and August, the Sindhis conduct a forty-day fast.
• They fast for forty days in order to pray to Lord Jhulelal, and then they commemorate the occasion as Thanksgiving Day.
• The people of Thatta were tormented by Mirkshah Badshah, a Muslim invader from Sindh who wanted them to convert to Islam.
• Hindus worshipped Varun Devta, or the God of Water, by fasting for forty days along the river's banks.
• Varun Devta heard their prayers on the forty-first day and vowed to save them from the tyranny. Jhulelal was the Hindus' answer to their prayers.

Cheti Chand

• The occasion is Sindhi New Year, which is observed all around the world. It is commemorated on the first day of Chaitra.
• Cheti Chand is a Sindhi festival commemorating the birth of Jhulelal, the Sindhis' patron saint. The Sindhi Community celebrates it with pomp and gaiety.
• Many people go to the nearby river with Baharana Sahib, which consists of Jyot, Misiri, Phota, Fal, and Akha. Jhulelal Devta's idol is also carried along.
• Many Sindhis carry Baharana Sahib, a depiction of Jhulelal, to a neighbouring river or lake on this day.
• Jyot (oil light), misiri (crystal sugar), fota (cardamom), fal (fruits), and akha make up Baharana Sahib.
• Behind is a kalash (water jar) with a nariyal (coconut) inside, which is wrapped with cloth, phool (flowers), and patta (leaves).
• A Murti (statue) of Pujya Jhulelal Devta is also there.
• Cheti Chand is a prominent event celebrated by Sindhi Hindus in India and Pakistan, as well as the Hindu Sindhi diaspora worldwide.

Teejri

• Teejri, also known as 'Sindhi Teej,' is a famous event observed by practically all Sindhi women during the monsoon season.
• Teejri is identical to Hariyali or Kajari Teej and Karwa Chouth. Sindhi ladies fast for their loved ones on this day and spend the day singing folk melodies.
• Hariyali Teej is observed on the third day following the new moon in the month of Shraavana/Sawan (of the Hindu calendar).
• Shraavana Teej is also known as Hariyali Teej since it happens during the monsoon or rainy season, when the surroundings turn green.
• Hariyali teej is observed in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Chandigarh also celebrates the event.
• Boorhi Teej is another name for Kajari Teej.
• Kajari Teej is known as Badi Teej in Rajasthan since it comes after Haryali Teej, which is known as Chhoti Teej.
• On Kajari Teej, women in Uttar Pradesh worship Shiva.
• It is also usual to sing kajris, or folk melodies.
• The lyrics mainly centre on separation, expressing a woman's longing for her lover in her parents' house, where she has been sent to celebrate Teej, or waiting in expectation to be retrieved by brothers to celebrate Teej.
• In the evening, a special thali is prepared and served to the moon, including an offering of 'Argh' (a rice and milk dish).
• Teejri is the third day following the full moon in the month of Shrawan, and it usually falls on the third day after the full moon in August.

Thadri

• Thadri, which means "cold," is observed on the seventh day of the waning moon in the month of Sawan (May).
• The festival of Thadri commemorates the birth of Yoga-Maya, Lord Krishna's sister.
• When individuals used to acquire small pox or chickenpox, Thadri was also celebrated for Devi Mata (Chandi Mata– Durga Devi in ChandiRoop).
• Goddess Sitala is worshipped to keep against measles, chicken pox, and smallpox, hence the event is also known as 'Satan.'
• Thadri is a day when the house is not illuminated with fire. The cuisine is made a day ahead of time for the festival.
• Mitho Lolos, Akhriyoon, Besani Koki, Moong ki Daal jo phulko, Chotha, and other foods are part of the Thadri.
• Some people play card games on this day because they see life as a game and feel that success and loss should be embraced.

Utran or Tirmoori

• Utran, also known as Uttaran or Tirmoori, is a Sindhi festival that commemorates the start of Uttarayana Punyakalam, or the Sun's voyage to the Northern Hemisphere, or Makar Rashi or Capricorn.
• The Sindhi version of the 'Makar Sankranti' festival, which is celebrated across India on January 14th, coinciding with the start of the winter solstice, is Utraan or Uttaran. Kites are flown in the skies during this festival.
• Sindhis equate this outdoor pastime to life, in which the art of pulling and letting go is required, just as it is in kite flying.
• As the kite flyer seeks to reach out to the skies, kite-flying also represents spiritualism.

Conclusion

Fairs and festivals are an integral part of any religion and culture's identity and legacy. In our country, people of all religions and communities live in harmony and joyfully celebrate festivals. Sindhis are well-known in the globe for their religious and social significance. Sindhi Civilization has a wealth of historical traditions and texts, demonstrating that it is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Sindhi people celebrate their festivals with zeal and joy in a unique way.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which Sindhi festival marks the birth of Lord Jhulelal?

A) Teejri
B) Cheti Chand
C) Thadri
D) Chaliho Sahib

2. Which festival is associated with a forty-day fasting ritual among Sindhis?

A) Thadri
B) Cheti Chand
C) Chaliho Sahib
D) Utran

3. What is the main deity worshipped during the Sindhi festival of Cheti Chand?

A) Lord Shiva
B) Goddess Sitala
C) Lord Jhulelal
D) Lord Vishnu

4. Which Sindhi festival is associated with women fasting for their loved ones?

A) Teejri
B) Thadri
C) Chaliho Sahib
D) Utran

5. What is the significance of Thadri in Sindhi culture?

A) It celebrates the harvest
B) It marks the birth of Lord Shiva
C) It commemorates the protection from smallpox
D) It celebrates the victory of good over evil

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the cultural significance of Cheti Chand for the Sindhi community and its impact on their identity.

Answer: Cheti Chand is the Sindhi New Year and holds great cultural significance for the Sindhi community. Celebrating the birth of Lord Jhulelal, the festival represents the community's spiritual devotion, unity, and resilience. It is marked by processions, prayers, and symbolic offerings to the river, showcasing the importance of water as a sacred element in Sindhi culture. The festival plays a central role in the cultural identity of Sindhi Hindus, both in India and in the diaspora, reinforcing their religious beliefs and cultural traditions while fostering a sense of solidarity and community pride.

Q2: Analyze the role of women in Sindhi festivals, particularly during Teejri and Thadri.

Answer: Women play a central role in Sindhi festivals, especially during Teejri and Thadri. In Teejri, women fast for the well-being of their husbands and families, and the festival is marked by folk songs, rituals, and community gatherings. Similarly, during Thadri, women prepare cold foods in advance, symbolizing the festival's association with health and protection from disease. These festivals underscore the spiritual and social roles women play in Sindhi culture, as they are seen as the custodians of family welfare and cultural continuity. Through their participation, women reinforce the values of devotion, care, and community bonding.

Q3: How do Sindhi festivals contribute to the preservation of regional cultural heritage in India?

Answer: Sindhi festivals such as Cheti Chand, Teejri, and Thadri contribute significantly to the preservation of regional cultural heritage by maintaining and transmitting religious and cultural traditions. These festivals provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their unique customs, such as the worship of Lord Jhulelal and the observance of fasting rituals. By continuing to celebrate these festivals, Sindhis ensure the preservation of their identity, folklore, music, and culinary practices. Moreover, these festivals foster a sense of unity and cultural pride, helping to maintain a distinct cultural heritage within the broader context of India's diverse religious and cultural landscape.

Previous Year Questions on Sindhi Festivals

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which festival is celebrated as the Sindhi New Year?

A) Makar Sankranti
B) Cheti Chand
C) Diwali
D) Maha Shivaratri

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Cheti Chand is the Sindhi New Year, celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Jhulelal.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Examine the role of festivals like Teejri and Cheti Chand in strengthening cultural identities within Indian communities.

Answer: Festivals like Teejri and Cheti Chand play a crucial role in strengthening cultural identities by promoting the continuation of religious practices, folklore, and family traditions. These festivals offer an opportunity for community members to unite and celebrate shared values, reinforcing a sense of belonging. Through rituals, prayers, and community activities, these festivals preserve cultural heritage and offer a platform for younger generations to learn about and engage with their cultural roots.