Chalio

Chalio / Chaliho also called Chaliho Sahib is a forty day long festival celebrated by Hindu Sindhi community.^[1][2][3]

Background

Mirkshah, a Muslim fanatic ruler of Sindh had ordered to convert all Hindu Sindhis to Islam or face persecution. Hindu representatives, asked for a forty days time from the ruler to give their reply.^[1]

The frightened Hindus of Sindh, prayed to their river God Varuna to come and help them. For forty days, they underwent penance. They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying and fasting and singing songs in the praise of God Varuna. They beseeched him to save them from the hands of their persecutor.^[1]

On the fortieth day, a voice was heard from Heaven : "Fear not, I shall save you from the wicked Mirkshah. I shall come down as a mortal and take birth in the womb of Mata Devki in the house of Ratanchand Lohano of Nasarpur". Ratanchand Lohano was a Hindu belonging to Lohana cast.

All the Sindhis were relieved and rejoiced at this akashvani. Later, Dariyalal was born as announced to the named couple, who saved the Hindus from Mirkshah.

Festival

The 40-day-long festival is observed every year in months of July to August, dates vary according to Hindu calendar.^[1][2] This is a thanks-giving celebration in honor of Varuna Deva and Jhulelal for listening to their prayers.^[1][2]

To keep alive this tradition, all Hindu Sindhi, even today, celebrate the event by keeping forty days of penance.

The observe following rules for forty days:-^[1][3]

• No sleeping on bed, only on floor.
• Observe Brahmacharya.
• No fried eatables.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food, as well, onion & garlic.
• Avoid consumption of white items like milk, curd, rice.
• No shaving or cutting of hairs for forty days.
• No use of soap & oil for forty days.
• Wearing of simple clothes.
• Not wearing of leather shoes or leather belts.

While some people fast only on the first and last day of Chalio, others fast for the first nine days or for 21 days.^[2]

Sindhi men & women dance in front of idol of Jhulelal in their temples to the tune of their folk music and bhajan, the devotional songs.

Sindhis make a symbolic representation of their God Jhulelal in each and every household of their, which is known as Bahrana Sahib.

Baharana Sahib Consists of Jyoti, Sugar Candy, Phota, Fruits, clove, Akho. Behind is a earthen pot and a Coconut in it, covered with Cloth, Flowers, Leaves and Idol of God Jhulelal.^[4][3]A sweet dish named Akho, made from rice and sugar are offered during morning prayers.^[5]

For forty days they worship it and offer prasad and sing aarti to Bahrana Sahib.On 41st day Baharana Sahib is taken to nearby River or Lake and immersed among singing and dancing of devotional songs^[2] marking the end of Chalio festival.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Chaliho festival
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} Sindhis celebrate Chalio festival
3. ^ ^{a b c} Sindhi Festivals > Chaliho
4. ^ [1]
5. ^ [2]