Udaipur: The 40-day Lord Jhulelal Chaliha Mahotsav, being organised jointly by Sanatan Dharma Seva Samiti and Shri Bilochistan Panchayat at the Sanatan Dharma Temple in Shakti Nagar from July 16 to August 25, has reached its final phase amid religious fervour and enthusiasm.

As part of the celebrations, a grand bhajan sandhya was organised at the temple on Friday night, continuing until late hours. Renowned bhajan singer Yogesh Govindani presented a series of devotional songs dedicated to Lord Jhulelal. His soulful renditions drew an enthusiastic response from devotees, who were seen singing and dancing to the bhajans. The temple premises reverberated with chants of “Jai Jhulelal”.

General secretary Vijay Ahuja said different varieties of prasad are being offered to Lord Jhulelal every day during the 40-day festival. The celebrations will culminate on Tuesday, August 25, when a grand Bahirana Sahib will be decorated. Following traditional prayers and rituals, the Bahirana Sahib will be taken out in a procession and immersed, marking the conclusion of the Chaliha festival.

Society president Nankaram Kasturi said the Chaliha festival holds deep religious and historical significance for the Sindhi community.

Shri Bilochistan Panchayat vice-president Manoj Kataria said, according to tradition, the Sindhi community undertook 40 days of penance seeking relief from the oppressive ruler Mirakhshah of Sindh. It was during this period that Lord Varun, revered as Jhulelal, is believed to have appeared. On the concluding day, devotees prepare Bahirana Sahib and take it out in a procession, accompanied by the traditional Chej dance. Tahiri (sweet rice), chickpeas and sharbat are distributed as prasad, followed by the immersion of Bahirana Sahib in the evening.

Panchayat general secretary Vijay Ahuja and volunteer Jaitumal Baba said devotees worship the uninterrupted sacred flame throughout the 40 days and seek fulfilment of their wishes. An attractive tableau of Bahirana Sahib will also be taken out during the concluding celebrations.

Volunteer Jai Sapra said community members were praying to Lord Jhulelal for peace, prosperity and a greener world.

Gurmukh Kasturi, Kashish Chelani, Manoj Kataria, Basant Kasturi, Hemant Gakhreja, Sunil and other members of the panchayat and committee have been actively involved in making the celebrations a success.