Today (March 30) Sindhi Hindus are celebrating the day of Udero Lal and Cheti Chand worldwide
By Ramesh Raja
Udero Lal, also known as Jhulelal and Palli Varu Pir, is a revered spiritual figure in Sindh, Pakistan, and among Sindhi communities worldwide. He is believed to be an incarnation of Daryah Shah, the River God, and is particularly venerated by Hindus as a divine protector and a symbol of Sindhi identity. His legacy, which embodies religious harmony and the deep connection between Sindhi culture and the Indus River, continues to be celebrated through the annual festival of Cheti Chand.
The Birth and Legend of Udero Lal
According to tradition, Udero Lal was born in Nasarpur in 1007 Sambat (Hindu calendar), in the house of Ratnarai Lohana. A miraculous event is associated with his birth: he did not drink his mother’s milk until water from the Indus River was placed in his mouth. This event reinforced his identity as an incarnation of Varun Dev (the Water God), leading to his widespread veneration among the Sindhi Hindu community.
Another legend states that during a time of religious oppression in Thatta, a ruler named Markh Shah attempted to forcibly convert Hindus to Islam. The persecuted Hindus prayed to Daryah Shah, and in response, a divine warrior on horseback emerged from the river, confronting Markh Shah and urging him to let Hindus and Muslims live in peace. Seeing his miraculous powers, the ruler agreed to religious tolerance. Later, this divine figure was born as Udero Lal and became a guiding force for unity and peace in Sindh.
Location of Temple
Udero Lal Dargah is located in the small town of Udero Lal, which is an hour’s drive from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Historically, this region was part of Nasrpur, an administrative district during the Mughal Empire. The Indus River once passed through Matiari, which was also part of Nasrpur, but as the river changed its course, the geography of Tando Adam and its surroundings evolved. Location map https://satellites.pro/Udero_Lal_map
The Religious Significance of Udero Lal
Udero Lal is seen as a unifying figure, respected by both Hindus and Muslims. Hindus worship him as Jhulelal, while many Muslims consider him to be Sheikh Tahir, a saintly figure associated with the Indus River. The belief in his miraculous powers and divine presence continues among both communities.
His philosophy emphasizes the idea that “water is the foundation of all life.” This belief resonates deeply with Sindhis, as their culture and livelihoods have long been tied to the Indus River. Wherever the river flowed, shrines dedicated to Udero Lal were built, and even today, important pilgrimage sites exist in Sadhu Bela (Sukkur), Rohri, Nasarpur, Sehwan, Thatta, and other locations.
The Celebration of Cheti Chand
The most significant event associated with Udero Lal is Cheti Chand, which marks the Sindhi New Year and commemorates his birth. Celebrated with fairs, processions, devotional songs (Panjras), and Bhairanas (religious rituals), the festival is a key event in Sindhi culture. In India, Cheti Chand is a major festival, symbolizing Sindhiyat (Sindhi identity), while in Sindh, followers gather at his shrines to honor his memory.
One unique tradition during the festival is that Hindus wash Udero Lal’s tomb with milk, while Muslim caretakers receive the offering money—a remarkable symbol of religious harmony in Sindh. Additionally, next to Udero Lal’s temple in Udero, there is a mosque, further demonstrating Sindh’s legacy of interfaith coexistence.
Rituals of Event
Devotees from both Hindu and Muslim communities participate in various rituals at Udero Lal Dargah. These include:
* Bhajan and Panjara Singing: Devotees sing religious hymns at the dargah.
* Lighting of Lamps: Rituals begin by lighting a lamp, symbolizing divine presence.
* Offering of Sweets and Fruits: A large plate decorated with sweets, fruits, and roses is presented before worship.
* River Indus Worship: Devotees offer prayers to the Indus River.
* Bahrano Ritual: In this ceremony, a lamp is placed in a brass plate along with flour cakes, sugar nuggets, and sweets.
* Dandiya Dance: A significant part of the festivities, this traditional dance is performed as an expression of joy.
* Marriage Ritual: Before weddings, grooms visit the Shiva temple at Udero Lal for a pilgrimage, where their clothes are torn in a celebratory ritual.
Udero Lal’s Enduring Legacy
Despite political and religious changes over centuries, Udero Lal’s message of peace, unity, and devotion remains strong. The belief in his divine guidance has been preserved by both Hindus and Muslims, making his shrine a rare example of interfaith respect and harmony in Sindh.
In Sanskrit, the word “Udu” means water, signifying Varun Dev, the god of the ocean. Over time, “Uduvar” became “Udero”, strengthening the association of Udero Lal with water and life itself. He is also called Amar Lal (The Eternal One) and Zinda Pir (The Living Saint), reflecting the deep-rooted faith people continue to place in him.
Hindu-Muslim Unity
Udero Lal Dargah stands as a powerful symbol of religious harmony. Hindus and Muslims have coexisted peacefully here for centuries, worshiping at their respective places of worship—the temple and mosque—situated side by side.
* The shrine is maintained collectively by both Hindu and Muslim custodians.
* During fairs and celebrations, Hindus donate for the upkeep of the mosque, and Muslims contribute to the temple.
* The custodian of the dargah, Abdullah Sheikh, affirms that the shrine promotes peace and tolerance, values cherished by all Sindhis.
* Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan expanded the original structure, further cementing its status as a shared spiritual heritage.
* The shrine has become a symbol of coexistence, similar to other Sufi shrines in Sindh, such as those of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and Bhit Shah.
Conclusion
Udero Lal is more than a religious figure—he is a symbol of Sindh’s cultural and spiritual heritage. His legacy represents the coexistence of different faiths, the reverence for nature and water, and the resilience of the Sindhi people. In a world where divisions based on religion continue to grow, Udero Lal’s teachings offer a timeless lesson in peace, tolerance, and harmony.
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The author of this article, Engr. Ramesh Raja, is a Civil Engineer, visionary planner, PMP certified and literary enthusiast with a passion for art and recreation. He can be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com
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