Cheti Chand 2025: Celebrating Its Legacy, Cultural Importance & Jhulelal Jayanti
On March 31, 2025, the Sindhi community celebrates Cheti Chand 2025 today, marking the Sindhi New Year based on the traditional Sindhi lunisolar calendar. Unlike the widely used Gregorian or Islamic calendars, the Sindhi calendar traces its roots back to the Indus Valley Civilization, making it one of the oldest timekeeping systems in history.
Cheti Chand Meaning
The literal meaning of Cheti Chand comes from “Cheti”, referring to Chaitra, the first month of the Sindhi and Hindu lunisolar calendar, and “Chand”, meaning moon. It signifies the appearance of the new moon in the month of Chaitra, marking the Sindhi New Year.
Sindhi Calendar Months
This article explores the origins, significance, and decline of the Sindhi calendar, its connection to Indus agriculture, trade, and astronomy, and how it eventually faded due to Islamic conquests and British colonial rule.
Cheti Chand Celebration
In Sindh, Cheti Chand 2025 is celebrated with traditional fervor, marking the Sindhi New Year and honoring the region’s ancient Indus Valley heritage. Devotees gather at riverbanks and temples, offering Baharana Sahib—a ritual plate with sweets, flowers, and a lamp—to the Indus River, symbolizing gratitude for water’s life-giving power.
Jhulelal processions fill the streets with music, dance, and chants of “Jhulelal Bera Paar”. Families prepare Sai Bhaji, Dal Pakwan, and Sindhi Biryani, sharing meals as a community. Despite historical shifts, Sindhis in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Karachi keep the festival alive, blending spiritual reverence with cultural pride.
The Sindhi Calendar: An Ancient Timekeeping System
1. Origins in the Indus Valley Civilization
The Sindhi calendar is believed to have originated in the Indus Valley (circa 3300–1300 BCE), where early societies relied on seasonal cycles for agriculture and trade. Its key features include:
Lunisolar Structure: A combination of lunar months with solar adjustments for seasonal accuracy.
Months Named After Natural Phenomena:
Chet (Chaitra) – The first month, marking the spring harvest.
Sawan (Shravana) – The monsoon season, essential for crops.
New Year ( For example Cheti Chand 2025) – Aligned with the spring equinox, symbolizing renewal.
2. Who Used the Sindhi Calendar?
Farmers & Merchants: For managing crop cycles and trade monsoons.
Astronomers & Priests: To track celestial events for rituals.
Sindhi Kings & Administrators: For taxation and festival scheduling.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar (introduced in 1582 CE) or the Islamic calendar (622 CE), the Sindhi system was natural, agrarian, and community-driven.
Sindhi Calendar Versus Others
| Features | Sindhi Calendar | Gregorian Calendar | Islamic Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Era | Indus Valley (~3000 BCE) | 1582 CE (Pope Gregory) | 622 CE (Hijra) |
| Type | Lunisolar (Moon + Sun) | Solar (Sun-based) | Lunar (Moon-based) |
| New Year Marker | Cheti Chand (Spring) | January 1 (Winter) | Muharram (Migration) |
| Usage Decline | Islamic/British rule | Global dominance | Religious Dominance |
Previous Cheti Chand Festivals
| Years | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Cheti Chand 2024 | 10 April | Wednesday |
| Cheti Chand 2023 | 23 March | Thursday |
| Cheti Chand 2022 | 2 April | Saturday |
| Cheti Chand 2021 | 13 April | Tuesday |
The Decline of the Sindhi Calendar
1. Impact of Islamic Conquests (8th Century Onward)
Following Muhammad bin Qasim’s invasion (712 CE), the Arabic lunar calendar replaced the Sindhi calendar in administration and religious practices. Over time, the Sindhi system became marginalized, surviving mainly in rural areas.
2. British Colonial Rule (19th–20th Century)
The British introduced the Gregorian calendar for official records and taxation, further diminishing the Sindhi calendar’s role. By 1947 (Partition), it remained primarily for festivals like Cheti Chand.
3. Modern Survival: A Cultural Relic
Today, the Sindhi calendar is used mainly for:
Cheti Chand 2025 (New Year celebration for 2025)
Teejri (Sindhi monsoon festival)
Astrological events
Unlike the Hindu Vikram Samvat or Sikh Nanakshahi calendars, the Sindhi calendar never underwent formal revival efforts.
Why the Sindhi Calendar Matters in 2025?
1. A Link to Indus Valley Heritage
Agricultural Knowledge: The months reflect Indus-era crop cycles.
Astronomical Wisdom: Demonstrates early understanding of solstices and equinoxes.
2. A Symbol of Sindhi Identity
Cultural Continuity: Cheti Chand keeps the calendar relevant.
Diaspora Revival: Global Sindhi communities continue referencing it for traditions.
3. Lessons for Modern Times
Sustainable Timekeeping: The Sindhi calendar was nature-aligned rather than bureaucratic.
Decolonizing History: Recognizing indigenous knowledge before Islamic and British influences.
Cheti Chand 2025 and the Future of the Sindhi Calendar
As we celebrate Cheti Chand 2025 on March 31,today we honor not just a new year but a 5,000-year-old legacy of timekeeping. The decline of the Sindhi calendar mirrors the erasure of indigenous knowledge under foreign rule—yet its survival in festivals proves cultural resilience.
Today Cheti Chand 2025 the Birthday of Jhulelal
Jhulelal Jayanti marks the birth of Jhulelal, the revered Sindhi saint and an incarnation of Varuna Deva, the Hindu god of water. He is the divine protector of Sindhi Hindus, symbolizing faith, unity, and resilience. Celebrated on Cheti Chand, his legacy continues to inspire Sindhis worldwide.
Cheti Chand Wishes: Spreading Sindhi Heritage and Unity
This Cheti Chand 2025, let’s revive our Sindhi heritage by sending heartfelt wishes to friends and family. Celebrating our ancient New Year keeps the Sindhi calendar alive, strengthening our cultural roots and ensuring the survival of our Indus Valley legacy for future generations. Sindhiat Zindabad!
(This Cheti Chand 2025, let’s also remember Sindh’s ancient calendar)