Lucknow: The Sindhi community celebrated Cheti Chand with religious fervour and cultural enthusiasm on Friday by taking out a grand procession and holding a fair at Jhulelal Vatika.The day marks the Sindhi new year as well as birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal, the revered `Ishta Dev’ of the community. Devotees gathered in large numbers and took out procession while chanting ‘Jai Jhulelal’. The procession began from Shiv Shanti Ashram in Alambagh and passed through Charbagh, Naka, Ganeshganj, Aminabad, Nazirabad, Kaiserbagh, Lalbagh and Hazratganj before culminating at Jhulelal Vatika.A major attraction of the celebration was a series of colourful tableaux depicting scenes from the life of Lord Jhulelal and Sindhi heritage. Tableaux on Lord Jhulelal, Lord Ram, Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna drew attention from onlookers along the route.An all-women scooter rally was also organised as part of the celebrations. Dressed in traditional attire, participants rode through the city carrying flags and singing devotional songs. Organisers said the rally symbolised unity, empowerment and the role of women in preserving community traditions. “Chanting ‘Jai Jhulelal’ with everyone makes you feel deeply connected to your roots,” said Jyotsana Lalwani, a participant.In the the fair at Jhulelal Vatika, devotees sang bhajans and devotional songs. Food stalls served traditional Sindhi dishes. “It feels like a family reunion. The food, the music, and the devotion bring us all together,” said devotee Vimlesh Mirchandani.National president of the Sindhi community, Murlidhar Ahuja, said the aim of the event was to preserve Sindhi culture and passing on the tradition to younger generations.
