Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago celebrates Cheti Chand 2025

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Invoking Jhulelal Sain, the Ishta Dev of Sindhis, the protector, the healer, the unifier, at the Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago’s 2025 Cheti Chand celebration. ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy Jayanti Oza

On Sunday April 13, 2025, Ashyana Banquets in Chicago, echoed with cries of “Jai Jhulelal,”  and the rhythmic sounds the dhol as the Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago (SAMC) hosted Cheti Chand 2025, a spiritual gathering that included sacred rituals, joyous dances, and an evening full of tributes to what organizers see as the undying spirit of Sindhiyat faith, food, festivity, and family.

The Behrana Sahib and a soul-stirring Arti was led by Devika, to which devotees swayed and sang, invoking Jhulelal Sain, the Ishta Dev of Sindhis, the protector, the healer, the unifier, according to a press release from Jayanti Oza.
The Jhulelal Juloos (procession) saw women in bright Sindhi Ajrak and men in traditional Sindhi topis dancing in circles, carrying the Behrana Sahib on their shoulders, celebrating Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year. The immersion ritual was performed followed by distribution of prasad.

The celebration planning by President Vinita Gulabani and Subhash Balaney, with a team of dedicated volunteers, resulted in a successful event.

Dr. Gita Rupani set up the pooja space that many said it reminded them of their homes in Sindh, from the shimmering diyas to the meticulously prepared offerings. “It felt like my childhood temple in Larkana,” whispered Sudhir Raheja standing still with moist eyes in front of Jhulelal Sain’s murti.

President Vinita Gulabani welcomingChief guest, Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, left.
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The Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, addressed the gathering, calling Sindhis the bearers of one of the oldest living civilizations. He spoke about the annual Sindhi Conference in Ladakh, where the Government of India honors Sindhi contributions to world heritage. His words were met with thunderous applause.

Emcees Ria Matta and Henna Ballaney conducted the proceedings with warmth and wit, effortlessly tying the evening together. The cultural segment included dance performances, the men led by Vikas Kalwani, and women by Vinita Gulabani.

Consul General of India, Chicago Somnath Ghosh. spoke about the annual Sindhi Conference in Ladakh, where the Government of India honors Sindhi contributions to world heritage.

Swapnil Sahu and Rinki Talati took the stage. Their voices, both playful and soulful, kept the dance floor packed. Swapnil’s peppy numbers blended perfectly with Rinki’s traditional tunes, this is Sindh!” exclaimed beaming Kavita Vanjani.

Key roles for preserving and celebrating Sindhi heritage was led by the SAMC Board made up of President: Vinita Gulabani, Vice President: Puja Jiandani, Secretary: Subhash Balaney, Joint Secretary: Raj Khatri, Treasurer: Nand Belani, Joint Treasurer: Sanjay Wadhwani, Auditor: Kenny Gurnani, Public Relations Officer: Prakash Chatwani, Program Coordinators: Ria Matta, Ramya Jhaveri, Manisha Ballaney, Gita Rupani, Volunteer: Haresh Harpalani.

The cultural segment included vibrant dance performances.

Sponsors of the event included Sunil Shah (New York Life), SSS. Entertainment, Warenium Nedia Management (Media Partners), Splendor Celebrations (Anjali Raheja), Pinky and Dinesh Thakkar, Mindful Meditation Yoga (Anu Malhotra), Crossroads Animal Hospital (Dr. Bhupinder Beri), US Bank (Anil Punjwani), VK Financials (Vikas Kalwani), Vinni’s Salon & Spa (Vinita Gulabani), Trinity Financials, Port of Peri Peri, Vidya Jyoti (Pratibha Jairath), Remax Real Estate (Jesse Singh),

Formed in 1965, the Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago (SAMC) strives to continue Sindhi traditions and connect generations through community events in an attempt to foster pride in Sindhi roots.

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