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Having washed ourselves clean and put on new clothes we keep away from filth and dirt. We do not sit or roll on dirty ground. It would be foolish to do so. By taking the Chhanta we have cleansed our souls and so we must not fall into sins again which are like filth and dirt for the soul. We must always keep our heart, mind and soul pure by keeping away from acts which are not pleasing to Mowlana Hazar Imam.
Chhanta ceremony is done on every Chandraat and also on the 23rd night of Ramadhan which is knownas 'Lail-tul Qadr.
Chhanta is given when an Ismaili is on his death bed and also to an Ismaili who has died.
Chhanta is given by Mukhisaheb, Kamadiasaheb, Mukhiyanima, Kamadiyanima or any other person who has been appointed by them.
Besides being a ceremony for forgiveness of sins, Chhanta ceremony is also performed during the CHHATHI of a newly born Ismaili child and when someone becomes an Ismaili.
We must remember that Chhanta ceremony purifies us of our sins only if our repentance is true and sincere. Every time we take Chhanta we must vow to keep away from sins. We must do all we can to become better and better from one Chandraat to another, and this is what will please Mowlana Hazar Imam the most.
* The prayer said on the water is:
"NAAD ALIYAN MAZHARAL AJA'IB TAdIDAHU AWNAN LA-KA FIN-NAWAIB, KULLU HAMIN WA GAMIN SAYANJALI BI WILAYATIKA YA ALI, YA ALI, YA ALI"
It means:
CALL ALI IN WHOM ALL WONDERS ARE REVEALED; YOU WILL SURELY FIND HIM HELPING YOU IN DIFFICULTIES. ALL WORRIES AND SORROWS WILL DISAPPEAR BY HIS HELP. (SO CALL) O ALI! O ALI! O ALI!"
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