Special events mark the auspicious occasion of ‘Chet-I-Chand’. Women of the community were seen offering Jhulelal’s favourite preparation ‘bharano’ (made of wheat flour, water, ghee and sugar).

The mood was buoyant at the venue as scores of Sindhis came together in colourful attires to mark ‘Chet-I-Chand’, the combined celebrations of the community — New Year and birth anniversary of the elixir of life Lord Varun Deva, also known as ‘Jhulelal’.

For Sindhis, the second day of the ‘Chaitra’ month is celebrated as Chet-I-Chand, which is considered to be the most auspicious day where people meet, greet and make merry. On Tuesday, special ‘abhishekam’, ‘puja’, ‘aarti’, ‘bhajans’, group dance, skits, devotional hymns and community feast marked the celebrations.

Favourite dish

Women of the community were seen offering Jhulelal’s favourite preparation ‘bharano’ (made of wheat flour, water, ghee and sugar). These were topped with ‘misri’ (crystal sugar), which were later immersed in the sea followed by a procession on the Beach Road. A lot of significance is attached to the custom. “It is believed that all our wishes will be fulfilled on this auspicious day. Today, ‘bharano’ is considered as Jhulelal. We offer prayers to Lord of Ocean with oil lamp and flowers,” says Tanya Idnani, a Sindhi.

Sindhis, who have made the City of Destiny as their home, visited Sindhi Bhavan to offer prayers. They involved themselves in the day-long cultural programmes that included foot-tapping ‘dandiya’.

Men and women said that they had been celebrating Chet-I-Chand in the city for the past 50 years. “There is so much of fun involved in meeting your dear ones. This is the occasion which I will never miss despite my packed schedule. This year, I am all the more excited because I am dancing with my friends,” says Kanchan Sudhani, a software professional.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Staff Reporter / Visakhapatnam – April 01st, 2014