Sindhis celebrate 'Chalio' festival in Pune

Like every year, the Sindhi community in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad area is celebrating the festival of Jhulelal Jo Chalio Sahib with great devotion. The 40-day-long festival is observed every year from July 16 to August 24.

During this period, the community consumes only vegetarian food. Sindhis gathered in large numbers at the Lord Jhulelal temple on the Pavana river banks in Pimpri Camp to tie the red talisman for 40 days of Chalio and light lamps made of wheat flour in front of Lord Jhulelal.

Madhur Kotwan, resident of Pimpri said, “During the 40 days of Chalio, the community avoids non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic.” People from the community also avoid using oil or soap on their bodies.

Various religious programmes are organised during the festival. While some people fast only on the first and last day of Chalio, others fast for the first nine days or for 21 days. Several men prefer not to shave during the 40 days.

On the 41st day, Bahirana Sahib is worshipped and a procession is taken out by the community members.