India is a land of different religions. People of different religions worship God in different ways. We offer prayers to God to thank him for his blessings. Our glorious Hindu Pantheon is full of instances of 'Avtars' (Incarnations) of Parmatma (God) that have taken place from age to age.

Jhulelal is the patron Avtar of Sindhis. From time to time different might nations had an evil eye on Sindh province. After the conquest of Arabs, Sindh remained under the suzerainty of a Muslim ruler named 'Murkh' of the same clan. In the years 950s A.D. he ruled cruely. Hindus were not happy under his rule. He treated them very cruelly. In those days, Kafan Kot (Thatta) was the capital of Sindh.The fanatical 'Maulvis' with malicious motives instigated Badshah Murkh to issue a proclamation for the forcible conversion of Hindus. The hard hearted chief minister Kasi Yusuf Yahia took great plessure in the persecution of the forcible conversion of Hindus. As a matter of fact the harassment of Hindus was unprecedented and posed a challenge of the times.

Numerous Hindus sacrificed their precious lives simply to save their 'Tilak' (vermilion mark on the forehand) 'janeau'(the sacred thread) and 'Choti (knot of hair on the 'Brahmradhar')besides saving the honour of their teenaged girls from failing into the hands of Muslimsoppressors. However, all the entreaties of the Hindus fell on the deaf ears of the rulers. The godfearing and peace-loving Hindus found themselves absolutely helpless. They prayed to God for deliverance.

One day, Sindhi Hindu's decided to assemble at the Sindhi river Delta, near Thatta. For three days continuously they observed reverences, anxiously seeking divine help of Jal Jyoti Swaroop God Varuna in their hour of trial.

The Supreme Lord, as is well known is ever compassionate to his aspirants. He responded to the solemn appeals of Sindhi Hindus. In ethereal voice, which the scriptures call 'Akashvani' . He communicated to the worshipers with the assurance that after seven days Lord Vishnu shall emerge as Varuna in human form, as their protector.

Sindhis worshipped him and returned radiant back to their homes. At last, the auspicious Hour arrived. True to the prophecy, the Divine saviour of the Sindhi Hindus saw light on the Friday evening of new moon of the month of Chaitra( corresponding to April), in year 1007 A.D. in the family of a Rajput Thakur Rattan Rai Lohana and mother Devki, in the village of Khanpur which later on became famous as Nasarpur Sindh.(Now in West Pakistan).

It was actually a memorable day of great rejoicing and jubilations. The new born was christianed 'Uday Chandra' by the family Brahmin. Out of love and affection, he was also called 'Uderolal'. Swinging tge cradle with child lying therein; the ladies Bang melodies lullabies "Jhulelal Muhinjo Hindoran mein Jhoole" ( my dearest son swins in cradle). Thereafter the word "Jhulelal" became not only a household pet name, but also a customary symbol slogan of Sindhis for greeting one another. Sindhis, thereafter became the staunch worshippers of' 'Jhulelal'. In the beginning , Vazir Kazi Yusuf Yahia, continued to harbour ulterior intentions of taking Varuna as a prisoner by hook or by crook. But he failed in his sinister designs.

Once, when Shah Murkh ordered his sentries to bring Jhulelal in hand cuffs, in front of him he disappeared mysteriously . Not only but the whole royal palace got speedily flooded with gushing waters and engulfed with scorching fire. Consequently several lives were lost. Even then, the Shah remained adament on taking revenge from
Varuna. Alittle while after, Shah witnessed , Varuna coming out of glittering waters , mounted on a blue horse in accompaniment of a mammoth of army rapidly advancing towards Shah who started trembling like leaf. Jhulelal was two years of age at that time. His army personnel was addressed as 'Jhatis'. That is those who could shake their foes.

With folded hands, the Shah along with all his ministers and Mullas fell down at the feet of Sri Amar Lal Sain and prayed fervently to save them . All of them became faithful diciples of Varuna. The doctrine of triumph of truth over falsehood was firmly established , once for all.

"Uderolal" came to stay in village of Sindhi, called Jhijhan. With his blessings and guidance a Lal Sain Mandir was constructed there. A well popularly known as 'Balambho Sahib' was also drug in its precincts. It is said that the well water contained
medicinal properties and cured all the ailing persons irrespective of creedor community.

Many Muslims became his worshippers and used to address Varuna as 'Kwaja
Khizir Zindahpir' and lit a 'Akhand Jyot' at a spot where Varuna that is Darya Shah, seated on a Golden Pala fish saved the cargo boat of a merchant Parma Nand and the fisherman Tahir in a wink of an eye , when the boat bumped against a Rock , near Sukkur In Sindh. On bright 14th day of the month of Bhadaon of the year 1020 A.D. at the tender age of 13 our benevolent savior merged into Jal Jyoti in the presence of his devotees.

From that day we Sindhi consider, it as our moral obligation to commemorate with respect Varuna's Birthday as 'Cheti Chand' and also the 14th day termed 'Chaleho' throughout India. It is a most impressive and colourful festival of Sindhi community when the skies reverberate with the slogan 'Aayo Lal - Jhlelal'.

A mammoth precession is taken in which the chief centre of attraction is an exquisitely decorated van carrying the idol of 'Varuna Kunari' (a Kalasha containing holy waters)and 'Bahrana Sahib' (Kneaded flour bearing the shape of a cone (like Shiva Linga)adorned with cloves , cardomoms , betel nuts and sugar candy with turmeric colour. The garlands of Red Roses and Marigold flowers enhance the beauty considerably.

Fragrance is spread by burning scented 'Dhop' and aggarbattis. Candle flames as well as sparkling earthen 'Deepaks', tinkling like tiny stars give a celestial touch of the decorations. It is heartening to say that other communities watch the procession with great eagerness and awe. It also affords an opportunity to all to observe the religious fervour , art and social 'Ekta' among Sindhis.

Many tableaus are carried in the 'Julus'(procession) . It shows many burning problems of the society and the country. Throughout the route, "Prasad" is distributed to all without distinction .

The highlights of this festival are 'Jhimar' and 'chhej"to the melodious tunes of 'Shahnai' and 'Bagpie'and the rhythmical beat of "Dholaks", coupled with the coloured pieces of sticks called ' Donkaas'. There is a marvelous display of dances exactly like Garba of Gujaratis. In the traditional dresses of Sindhis, the young dancers swirl sound with all the exuberance and gusto and the increase the tempo of their movements to the amazement of spectators. The whole atmosphere gets surcharged with funs , frolic and gaiety and gay. The procession terminates at the local Gomti river Ghats which are filled with people to capacity . The illuminations and multi- coloured electric series add a celestial light.

Water is very important for life of everybody,for all living things and also non-living things. Nobody can live without water. Water is a basic need of everyone and Jhulelal is the God of water. Co-existence is the law of life. With the immersion of the offerings and chanting Jhulelal hymns the Mela comes to a close leaving lingering sweat memories.