According to Sindhi tradition, the festival honors the appearance of Jhulelal, believed to be an incarnation of the river deity associated with the Indus River. In medieval times, Sindhi Hindus living in Sindh prayed for protection from religious persecution. Their prayers were answered when Jhulelal Saeen was born and later guided the community toward peace and harmony.
Because of this belief, Cheti Chand is not only a New Year celebration, but also a symbol of resilience and unity for the Sindhi people.
After the Partition of India in 1947, many Sindhis migrated to different parts of India and abroad. Despite displacement from their homeland, Cheti Chand remained a powerful link to their roots.
Today the festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in cities like Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Dubai, Hong Kong, and London, where Sindhi communities organize large cultural processions and concerts.
For the diaspora, Cheti Chand has become a celebration of identity and continuity, reminding younger generations of their heritage.
https://sindhyat.com/database/Books/TheLegendOfSindh_Jai_Jhoolelal
