Known for the dedication and devotion with which they observe their religious festivals, the Sindhis of Coimbatore city came together yet again to celebrate Jhulelal ji Pheri. The two-day celebration was organized by the Sindhi Forum Coimbatore, led by its president Kiran Punjabi. This time, six Sindhi trusts and associations joined hands to make this celebration a grand success.

Jhulelal ji Pheri saw the God of the Sindhi community, Jhulelal Ji, being taken on a procession that was flagged off in the morning at Shri Priya Kunj Temple located on East Periyaswamy Road. The accompanying group chanted bhajans and the chariot travelled through DB Road, East Ponnurangam Road, and Sri Shanmugam Road. Men and women of all age groups, and children, joined the procession. The chariot glittered under the sun, the colourful attire of the participants and the flags that read ‘Jai Jhulelal’ were visual treats for the onlookers. The chariot came to rest at Shri Priya Kunj Temple.

At the temple, the festive mood touched new heights with Shri Jeetu Maharaj and his team from Bangalore singing bhajans dedicated to Jhulelal Ji. The Maha-aarti followed.

No Sindhi celebration is complete without a lavish spread. Dishes like sweet rice, which is also Jhulelal’s Ji favourite, curry chawal (curry and rice), and tooka (crispy double fried potatoes), among other Sindhi cuisine dishes were served as Mahaprasad.

The day marks the end of the 40 day period considered auspicious by the Sindhis. During the auspicious period, Sindhi families light a diya (lamp) made with weight flour in their homes. On the fortieth day, the lamp is immersed in a water body, since Jhulelal Ji is the water-god.

For the new generation of Sindhis in Coimbatore who were born and brought up in the city, Jhulelal ji Pheri was an opportunity to get to know about their traditions and customs. For the Sindhis, it was another spiritual festival well celebrated.