About Sama Chakeva

About Sama Chakeva

Sama Chakeva is a festival of brothers and sisters kept in the Mithila region of north Bihar and the Terai of Nepal. It begins the day Chhath ends, on the seventh day of the bright half of Kartik, and closes on the night of Kartik Purnima, in October or November.

Its story is about Sama, a daughter of Lord Krishna. A tattler named Chugla told lies about her, and she was cursed to become a bird. Her brother Samba prayed until the curse was lifted and she came home. The festival honours that love and loyalty between a sister and her brother.

Girls and women shape small clay birds and figures: Sama, her companion Chakeva, the tattler Chugla, and Vrindavan made of grass. Each evening they carry them in bamboo baskets, light lamps and sing old Maithili songs in the courtyards and fields. Chugla's straw moustache is set on fire to laugh at people who spread lies.

On the last night, by the light of the full moon, sisters bid farewell to Sama in the fields or near a pond. They give their brothers sweets and beaten rice, and pray for their long life. The migrating birds that arrive from the hills in winter are part of the story, so the festival is also a welcome for them.