By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Sierra Leone Sindhi Association marked the Cheti Chand festival on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with a vibrant celebration of the Hindu New Year and the birth anniversary of Shri Jhulelal, the revered deity of Sindhi Hindus.
The festivities began with a colorful procession from Ishwari Supermarket on Wilkinson Road to the Indian Temple, where prayers, devotional songs, and cultural performances brought together members of the Sindhi community, the wider Indian diaspora, and invited guests.
Speaking at the closing of the Jhulelal Mahotsav, Niharika Agnani of the Sierra Leone Sindhi Association expressed gratitude to participants and emphasized the importance of the festival in preserving Sindhi culture and identity. “Seeing this vibrant gathering reminds me that no matter how far we may move from our roots, the spirit of Jhulelal Sai continues to live within us,” she said.
The Honourable High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone, Shri B. C. Pradhan, attended the event alongside members of the Indian High Commission. He commended the diaspora for their resilience and commitment to cultural preservation, describing the celebration as a strong demonstration of unity and heritage.
Pradhan highlighted the contributions of the Choitram Group and the Indian Mercantile Association in establishing the Indian Temple in Freetown, which he noted has grown into a vital spiritual and cultural hub. He also praised the Sindhi community’s longstanding role in Sierra Leone’s commercial growth and social responsibility initiatives, underscoring their impact on education, community development, and sustainable practices.
The five-day celebration featured music, dance, rituals, and competitions, reinforcing values of faith, resilience, and harmony. Agnani thanked sponsors, performers, and volunteers, singling out Panditji Sangam and his wife Nishi for their dedication throughout the Mahotsav.
The festival concluded with prayers and devotional songs, as attendees sought blessings of Jhulelal Sai for prosperity, good health, and happiness.
Cheti Chand celebrations in Sierra Leone continue to highlight the Sindhi community’s rich cultural heritage, while strengthening ties between India and Sierra Leone and enriching the country’s multicultural landscape.