Bhairana Sahib
The sacred ceremony of Jhulelal worship
The Dakhi
The Bhairana Sahib is the central act of Jhulelal worship, performed during Cheti Chand and other auspicious occasions. Central to the ritual is the preparation of the Dakhi — a sacred vessel that is sealed and adorned with great care and devotion.
The Dakhi contains betel nut, betel leaf, a coin, gulal, ambir, caiser, and atar (fragrance). These are added before placing the cap, which is then sealed with flour. Five sugar stones are placed — one on each of the four sides and one on top — fixed with flour. A red thread is wound over the stones and gulal and ambir are sprinkled over the Dakhi.
The Bahrana Sahib
An exquisitely decorated Thaal forms the centrepiece, in which is placed the idol of Uderolal. A Kunri (earthen vessel) with its mouth covered in red cloth and filled with water is included, along with kneaded flour shaped like a Shivalinga adorned with cloves, cardamoms, betelnuts, and sugar candy. Garlands of red roses and marigold flowers adorn the Bahrana Sahib. Fragrance rises from burning dhoop and agarbathis; candle flames and small earthen deepaks shine like twinkling stars.
The Chej Dance
After the Bahrana, the Chejaris (dancers) perform the Chej — literally meaning crescendo, flood, or inundation. A circle is formed by dancers with dandies (sticks) in their hands. They dance in a circle, clapping sticks to each other's sticks to the rhythm of the Duhul (dholak) and the Shehnai. More than seven dancers are required to create the abundance. Slowly the rhythm becomes faster and generates more and more ecstasy and joy, similar to the Gujarati Dandia Raas.