Sindhi Festivals
Just as there are innumerable gods and goddesses of Hindus, so are their religious days — in fact more than the number of days in a year
Most important of these are given below, many of which are still being observed by Sindhis in India and around the world.
Cheti Chand
This celebrates the birth of Water God (Varun Devta) Sai Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal. In Sindh, the beginning of the new year was considered Cheti Chand. On the full moon day, people used to go to a river or lake and offer 'Akho' with a pinch of rice mixed with milk and flour. Even Sikhs went to temples or Gurdwara, because Guru Nanak's birthday also took place on Purnima.
Sagra — Sacred Thread
Sindhi Bhaibands generally lived in foreign countries; therefore, their wives were always worried about the good health of their husbands. For this purpose they performed pooja and fasted on four Mondays of Sharwan month. After which they perform pooja, distribute sweet rice, and then get the sacred thread tied by the priests (Banbhan).
Mahalakshmi's Sacred Thread
This sacred thread had sixteen strips and sixteen days. On the day when the sacred thread was to be untied, it was celebrated as an important day and special savouries like satpura and pakwan of Suji & Maida were made and distributed firstly to the priests and the poor, and afterwards to family members.
Fasts
In Sindh, generally Mondays & Saturdays, Giyaras or Umaas were observed as fasts (vrats). During the fast of Satyanarayan and nine days of Ekaanaas, only one meal was generally taken per day.
Teejri
This takes place in the month of Shrawan when married women and girls painted their hands and feet with Mehndi, went on fast for the whole day, played games, swung in Jhulas, and sang lovable songs. In the night, after making an offering to the moon, they broke the fast.
Akhan Teej
On this day, in the moonlight, new earthen water pots were kept and everyone was offered clean and cool water. The significance of this day was to offer water to the thirsty. At every nook and corner, sharbat with pieces of apple was offered to passers-by along with prasad. It was also customary to send new earthen pots and fruits to priests and Gurdwara.
Un-Matyo
During the month of Sharwan, on the Baaras of Krishna Paksha, cereals were changed in food — instead of wheat and rice, chapatis made of gram flour (Besan) were eaten.
Ban Badhri
In the month of Bado, during the Baaras of Shukla Paksha, God Varun had taken avatar. Small insects like ants were fed Gur (jaggery) and Musti. Married daughters were invited by their parents for food.
Somavati Umaas
In certain months Umaas takes place on a Monday. That day is considered important for having a "dumb dip" in the waters — without talking to anyone early in the morning. It is also called 'Gungee Umaas'.
Nandhi and Vaddi Thadri
Both these take place in the month of Shrawan. On the day before Thadree day, people cook lola (sweet flour cakes) and rote (fried cakes) because there must be no lighting of fire in the house on the Thadree day. The lolas and Rotes are eaten with curd. On that day, drops of water are also sprinkled on the cooking fire to appease Sitladevi Mata.
Janamashtami, Ram Navmi and Shivratri
Since Lord Krishna was born after midnight, on Janamashtami, bhajans and kirtan were held in temples till midnight. On Ram Navmi, Lord Rama's birthday was celebrated. On Shivratri people used to drink Thaadhal with some bhang in it, after making offering of it in the Mahadev temple. In villages and cities, big pots of Taahri (sweet rice) were prepared and distributed among all.
Tirmoori
On this day parents send ladoos and chiki (Laaee) made of Tils to their daughters. On the Makar Sankrant day the sun moves from south to north. It is therefore also called 'Dutraan' or 'Tirmoori'.
Dassera
A few days before Dassera there used to be Ramlila programme attended by throngs of people. On the Dassera day the colourful effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath were burnt.
Diyaaree (Diwali)
Two days before Diwali, people started lighting Diyaas (earthen lamps) from Dhan Teras. The bazars were full with consumers, friends and relatives meeting with affection and exchanging sweetmeats. In the night, Laxmi Poojan took place. People also carried a stick with a rag dipped in oil that was lit — called 'Mollawaro' — shouting "Mollawaro... Mollawaro..."
Giyaras of Kati
On this day people were engaged in giving charity. The whole bazaar would be full with hundreds of beggars and the needy. Jugglers arranged their Tamashas with monkeys and bears dancing to the tunes played by them. An atmosphere of gaiety prevailed throughout the day.
Navratra
During these days devotees of Devi ate once a day and did not even shave or cut hair. Ladies sang bhajans. In Nagarparkar they used to dance like Garba in Gujarat. On the day of Lal Loee children brought wood sticks and like a fire camp burnt them at night, with people dancing and playing around the fire.
Nariyal Purnima
During the Purnima of Shrawan month, sisters tied Rakhi to their brothers — this day is called 'Rakhree Bandhan'. Even near cousins used to tie Rakhis. Sisters came from far-off places specially for this day. In cities with rivers or sea, people offered coconuts and milk to the God of Waters 'Varun Devta', praying for the safety of those travelling in ships and boats.
Shraadh
Like in India, the month of September 'Bado' was meant for Krishna Paksha as Pitar Pakhiya. If any member of the family who had died on a particular tithi day, a Shraadh was offered for the solace of the deceased's soul. The Brahmins were given food and Dakhshina. People felt that through this method the deceased members of the family are remembered and all the family members gather together.
Nagapanchmi (Gogro)
Whenever the snake charmer brought snakes, they were given Dakhshina and milk. Nagpanchami is also called Gogro — a folklore from Kutch and Gujarat. Gogro was a legendary child born of a miraculous circumstance near Thatta, who had the power to befriend snakes and cure those bitten by them. Nagpanchami is therefore celebrated in the honour of Gogro, the god of snakes.
Holi
This is the festival of colours in which all the young and old join together to express their joy at the change of season. Some people correlate Holi festival with Holika, the sister of Hirnakashyap. It is a joyous celebration welcoming spring.