ULHASNAGAR: A grand “Cheti Chand Mahayatra 2026” was held in the city on Friday to mark Cheti Chand, the most important festival of the Sindhi community, with great enthusiasm and devotion. The entire city resonated with chants of “Jhulelal Sai” as thousands of devotees participated in the procession, reflecting deep faith and cultural pride.The yatra commenced from the Jhulelal Temple in Ulhasnagar-1, where devotees offered prayers and sought blessings of Lord Jhulelal. The procession culminated at the Chaliah Temple in Ulhasnagar-5 after passing through key parts of the city. A grand chariot carrying a beautifully decorated idol of the deity was the highlight of the procession.The yatra featured vibrant tableaux depicting Sindhi culture, artists dressed in traditional attire, and devotees dancing to devotional songs. Several cultural programmes, including music and dance performances, were organised along the route, while major junctions and streets were specially decorated for the occasion.Cheti Chand, celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal, holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Sindhi community. People from other communities also joined the celebrations in large numbers, showcasing communal harmony in the city.Prominent dignitaries, including Mayor Ashwini Nikam, BJP MLA Kumar Ailani, and former MLA Pappu Kalani, participated in the yatra along with several saints from the city.Given the massive turnout, police deployed tight security arrangements and managed traffic to ensure smooth conduct of the procession. Arrangements for drinking water, prasad, and other facilities were made at multiple points for the convenience of devotees.The Ulhasnagar yatra is considered one of the largest Cheti Chand processions in the country, reflecting the significant Sindhi population in the region and their strong cultural roots.
