The frightened people assembled on the banks of Sindhu, near Thatta and
sought divine help. "Akashwani" assured them of the birth of Vishnoo in a
human form as their protector. A son was born in the house of Ratanrai and
mother Devki in Nasarpur on Friday evening, New Moon of Month Chaitra 1007 AD
and was named Uderolal or Amarlal.
As a child, he played "Bal Leelas" and the news of his Divine powers and
miracles soon spread throughout Sind. Badshah Murkhshah (the Muslim King at that time) sent his minister and
emissaries to verify the truth of the miraculours powers of the child. They
soon returned convinced of the mighty powers of Uderolal. However, the
arrogant King wanted the child to be brought before him with the ulterior
motive of being captured and killed.
Uderolal's meeting with the King proved to be a demonstration of his
miraculous power. The King's soldiers attacked Him and, though He was alone,
He outwitted them. The King fell on his feet and promised to stop harassing
and torturing Hindus. Thus, Uderolal is the triumphant symbol of righteousness, fearlessness and divine benediction.
He moved throughout Sind and preached a message of courage. He often traveled
on a palla-fish and is therefore portrayed sitting on a fish. In 1020 AD Uderolal left the earthly scene, disappearing into the waters of
the same Sindhu from which he had emerged.
Chetti Chand is the new moon or the first day of Chett
which is the first month of the lunar- based Sindhi calendar year. It
is the only distinctive auspicious day for Sindhis and is a sectional
public holiday for Sindhis all over India. Chetti Chand is the first
new moon after the solar spring equinox and falls some time in April.
This year, in 1997, it was on Tuesday, April 8.
Chetti Chand is celebrated by Sindhi Hindus not only as their New Year
day but also as the birthday of SaeeN Uderolal, popularly known as Jhule
Lal or simply Lal SaeeN. He was born on this day in 1007 A. D. to
simple parents in Nasarpur, Sindh reportedly in response to the prayers
of Islam by the then muslim
ruler.
Even as a child, he performed many miracles. These reached the
ear of the ruler who became his devotee and gave up his non-sectarian
ways. Lal SaeeN is revered as a water god by the predominantly trading
class Sindhi Hindus who then traveled abroad by boats. His vehicle
(like Garuda for Shiva) was Sindhi Palo (fresh water fish in lower Indus
river) - also one of the most favourite dishes of our ancestors in Sindh.
Typical cultural celebrations in the evening include Bahrano - a kind of
folk dance (with ghunghroos) where the dancers (joined by the audience)
also sing Jhule Lal songs. The prayers include Akho which means
lighting Diyas (earthenware lamps) and setting them afloat in rivers or
water. The prasad (food offering) includes Dhodho (nan from jowar or
buckwheat) and mint chutney. This may be followed by a pot luck vegetarian dinner.
He was an Incarnation who descended to help Hindus in Sind, to preserve their
culture and heritage against the oppressive onsalughts of the Muslim Kings.
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