CHALIYO SAHIB- THE MAGIC OF FORTY (Part 2)

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

Bahrana Sahib

Bahrana Sahib  is  a  nicely  decorated bronze thaal in which Jyot (oil lamp) idol of Lord JHULELAL is placed and a Kunri (an earthen vessel) full of water covered with red cloth is kept. Wheat flour is kneaded and given a shape of cone, and is decorated with vermillion, Cardamom, Almonds, Cashews and Cloves. On top of it large piece of refined Sugar (Misri jo Sangh) is placed, this Cone is surrounded  with  fresh  flower's, fruits "Aakho"(fine quality of rice and sugar) and Coconut  is  kept  as  the  offering  to  the LORD JHULELAL.

Every day Aakho and prasad made from fine quality of rice and sugar  is offered to Jhulelal Sai during the morning and evening prayers on the River bank.

For all the forty days Sindhis worship and offer Prasad and sing Aarti to Bahrana Sahib.

Bahrana Sahib

procession

Another major tradition observed on the 41st day is the procession of Bahrana Sahib is taken through the city for the worshipper and people to see the glimpse and the divinity of Jhulelal Sai.

During  the  procession  of  Bahrana Sahib traditional Sindhi folk dance "CHHEJ" is performed by the Sindhi people of all age group. Then Bahrana Sahib is taken to near by river, upon reaching the river bank the contents of this Thaal are immersed in the water, which is considered as our humble offering to Lord JHULELAL. 

Prasad-Tayhiri

After the offering of "Aakho"(fine quality of rice and sugar) Prasad of black Chana and sweet rice Sesa (Tayhiri) is distributed to all the people, hence marking the end of the forty days festival of Jhulelal Sai until next year.

As we all Celebrate the auspicious festival of Chaliyo Sahib starting 16 th of July to 24th August.

I wish you all Happy "Chaliyo Sahib" "Chaliyo Sahib jyu lakh lakh Whadhayun"

Summary

Jeko Chavando JHULELAL tehinja theenda Beda Paar"

In addition to the 40 day fast and temple celebrations, Sindhi Hindus create a symbolic representation of Jhulelal Sai called Bahrana Sahib in their homes. This beautifully decorated platter contains an idol of Jhulelal, a pot of water, a cone-shaped wheat flour decoration, and offerings like fruits and sweets.

Every day during Chaliyo Sahib, Sindhis worship and offer prayers to Bahrana Sahib. On the 41st day, the Bahrana Sahib is taken in a procession through the city with people performing traditional dances. Finally, they reach a river, immerse the contents of the platter in the water as an offering, and distribute Prasad to mark the festival's end.

By Viinod Baherani