Udaipur Resonates with Devotion: ‘Ayolal Jhulelal!’ Echoes Across the City

Udaipur – The divine chants of “Ayolal Jhulelal!” are echoing from every corner of the city these days, marking the commencement of the Sindhi community’s sacred Chaliya Mahotsav — a 40-day celebration of faith, discipline, and cultural values in devotion to Varun Dev, Lord Jhulelal. Beginning on July 16, this festival showcases an extraordinary blend of devotion, service, and tradition, with devotees offering prasad daily during the aarti, which is then distributed among visiting worshippers.

Pratap Rai Chugh of Shri Jhulelal Seva Samiti shared that the Chaliya Mahotsav represents an eternal saga of faith that spans from Pakistan to India. This festival is not merely a religious observance but a vibrant symbol of a displaced community reconnecting with its roots. Despite the pain of partition, the Sindhi community preserved its cultural and spiritual traditions and passed them down as sacred values to newer generations.

Temples Turn into Hubs of Devotion

Former state minister and President of Shri Jacobabad Sindhi Panchayat, Harish Rajani, informed that daily rituals including worship, aarti, jhaanjh-dhol bhajans, and the distribution of sacred offerings (haath prasad) are being organized each evening at key Jhulelal temples in Shaktinagar, Hiranmagri Sectors 4, 9, 11–13, the Old Age Home area, and Jawahar Nagar. Women dressed in traditional attire with aarti thalis, children participating enthusiastically, and youth brimming with energy—these sights create an atmosphere akin to a spiritual fair.

An Offering of Discipline: Barefoot Devotion and Sattvic Living

A unique aspect of the festival is the deep level of personal discipline observed by devotees. Many choose to walk barefoot, sleep on the floor, follow a sattvic swastik diet, and strictly adhere to a spiritual routine for the entire 40-day period. This commitment is not just a ritual, but a profound example of self-purification, patience, and unwavering devotion.

From Tradition Springs Strength

Senior community leaders emphasize that the Chaliya Mahotsav commemorates Lord Jhulelal’s penance—when he meditated on water to guide his people against injustice. Today, this legacy thrives as a symbol of patience, righteousness, unity, and tolerance. Devotees also pray for peace and harmony across the world during the festival.

Cultural Evenings Infuse Joy and Togetherness

Each evening, temple programs feature storytelling of Jhulelal’s life, devotional songs by women's groups, and patriotic songs and dances performed by children. The celebration has transcended religious boundaries to become a vibrant social, familial, and cultural gathering that includes participation from all age groups.

Sindhi Community: A Symbol of Values and Hard Work in India

Since settling in India, the Sindhi community has established itself across fields such as trade, education, health, public service, and philanthropy through hard work, discipline, and honesty. Chaliya Mahotsav reflects this ethos—where devotion is combined with culture, unity with compassion, and tradition with intergenerational dialogue.

A Festival Rooted in Culture

The Chaliya Mahotsav is more than just a religious event—it is a celebration of values. It teaches future generations that devotion goes beyond rituals, becoming a way of life. It also conveys the powerful message that a united society can turn adversity into opportunity.

With the sacred chant “Ayolal Jhulelal” reverberating through Udaipur’s temples, the festival will conclude with the Baharana immersion ceremony. Key community leaders including Nankaram Kasturi, Pratap Rai Chugh, Murli Rajani, Ashok Gera, Kishan Wadhwani, Umesh Nara, Umesh Manwani, Kailash Nebhnani, and Sukhram Balchandani are actively participating in the celebrations.