Chaliha Sahib Festival
Chaliha Sahib Festival is celebrated by Sindhi community across the world. Every year 40 days fast is observed by Sindhi community and Jhulelal Sain is prayed. There are some rituals and observations associated with Chaliha Sahib Festival. These will be narrated below.
This is a 40 days fast observed by the Sindhi community to express their gratitude to Bhagwan Jhulelal Saeen (Isht Dev of Sindhis). Sindhis offer an Akho (a mix of raw rice, green cardamoms, sugar and a hint of turmeric) with Palav/Pryaer everyday by visiting any water body like a lake, river or a well (Kuaan/khooh). There are many rules to be followed by the fasting devotees during this period.
Some of the rules that needs to be followed by devotee while observing Chaliha Sahib fast
- Eat Simple, Satvik food. No use of onions and garlic is allowed.
- Any kind of non-veg food and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Sleep on a separate bed or floor.
- Fasting devotees can not cut the hair, beard, nails during the 40 days.
- Do not consume white colored food like milk, rice or curds. One can add haldi/turmeric to rice and eat. Food with any tempering/tadka is not allowed
- Do not wear leather articles.
- Observer the Celibacy, Brahmchayra during the fasting period.
- Avoid using soap, oil or any kind of perfumes/ makeup.Devote your body and soul to the Isht Dev.
- Offer Akha with a prayer to a water body. Chaliha Sahib Mandir has a separate pond for offering the Akha.
- If you’re visiting the Chaliha Sahib Mandir, you must do the darshan of Akhand Jyot & take Prasad.
- Do not Lie, cheat or get angry. Remain calm & have trust in Jhulelal Sain.
On completion of 40 days fast Matki Mela is organised. One who has observed the fast can take Matki and go for Akhand Jyot Darshan & emersion of Matki in Jhulelal Sarovar at Chaliha Sahib Mandir, Ulhasnagar-5.
Subsequent day to Matki Mela is Palav / Prayer day. One can come and offer the prayers by themselves or ask the Bhagat to pray for him. You can offer some donation while doing so.
After the 40 day fast & Palav one can start the regular life & start shaving and cutting hair or nails.
Chaliha Sahib Festival celebration dates in year 2024
| Mandir | Location | Observe | Chaliha Start | Matki Mela | Palav Sahib |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puj Chaliha Sahib Jhulelal Mandir | Ulhasnagar-5 | Sindhi Calendar | 31-Jul-2024 | 9-Sep-2024 | 10-Sept-2024 |
| Bhau Parsram Jhulelal Mandir | Ulhasnagar-2 | English Calendar | 16-Jul-2024 | 24-Aug-2024 | 25-Aug-2024 |
| Vadodara Chaliha Festival | Vadodara | Unknown | 28-Jul-2024 | 6-Sep-2024 | 7-Sep-2024 |
| Govindram Jhulelal Mandir | Pimpri | Unknown | 16-Jul-2024 | 26-Aug-2024 | 26-Aug-2024 |
Temples observing non-standard Calendar
- Kurla Jhulelal Mandir 23-Jul-2023 to 1-Sep-2023
- Vadodra Chaliha Sahib -