Chaliho - The forty days fast of Sindhis
[by Reetu Asrani, reetuasrani@yahoo.com]

Lord Jhulelal, incarnation of Varun Devta (the God of Water) is worshipped by Sindhis since time immemorial. Sindhis were basically businessmen and used to travel for trading their goods overseas. Since they traveled mostly by sea, womenfolk used to pray to Varun Devta for their safety.

At the time of Muslim invasion in Sindh, a ruler, Mirkshah Badshah, who was not only a tyrant but also a religious fanatic, wanted to convert Hindus to Muslim religion. Hindus prayed to Varun Devta to save them from this tyrant. For forty days, sitting on the banks of the river they underwent penance. They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying, fasting and singing songs in praise of Lord. On the fortieth day, Varun Devta heard their prayers; a voice was heard from Heaven assuring them that Lord will save them from cruel ruler by taking birth soon.

Even today, Sindhis observe fast and offer prayers to Lord Jhulelal for forty days in the month of July- Aug. After forty days or "Chaliho", the followers of Jhulelal celebrate the occasion with festivity as Thanks giving Day.

The forty days fast : The fast begins by tying the sacred thread by a Poojari. On completion of fast after forty days, the Bahrana Sahib is worshipped and a procession is taken out, after which it is immersed in the sea along with the jyot or lamp, and the sacred thread. There are certain rules which are observed during forty days :
No sleeping on bed, but on floor
No consuming white item (rice, milk, curd, etc)
No eating fried eatables
No shaving or cutting hair
No consuming non-veg
wearing simple clothes
No using soap or oil
Observing "brahmacharya" way of life
No wearing leather belts or shoes
Every morning praying by offering Akho - (rice and sugar)
Every evening attending kirtan in the temple
According to the capability observing the fast for first 10 days, 21 days or 40 days.

Sindhis believe that those who observe the fast for forty days, their wishes are fulfilled and even today Lord protects them from the cruelties of destiny, in the same manner as centuries ago he had protected them from tyrant ruler.

Sindhis around the world always greet each other with "Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar" signifying that with the blessings of Lord Jhulelal the boat of our life will successfully cross the ocean of troubles.