Sama Chakeva

Saama Chakeba is a Hindu festival, originating from the Mithila region^[1] of the Indian subcontinent.^[2][3] It is a festival of unity. It is celebrated in November and commences when birds begin their migration from the Himalayas down towards the plains of India.^[4] According to the Hindustan Times, the festival, which includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the Puranas. It is celebrated by Maithils & Tharu people of India and Nepal.^[5]

Saama Chakeva
Sama Chakeva being celebrated in Sarlahi district of Madhesh Province, Nepal
Also called	Saama Khela
Observed by	Maithils and Tharu people (India & Nepal)
Type	Cultural, historical, religious
Significance	Bond between siblings
Begins	The day after Kartik Shashthi
Ends	Kartik Purnima
Duration	7 days

An interesting aspect of Sama Chakeva is its environmental message. The festival coincides with the seasonal migration of birds from the Himalayas to the plains, and the clay bird idols are a tribute to these migratory birds. This reflects the Maithili people’s deep respect for nature and highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings.^[6]

Mythological significance

It tells the story of Sama, a daughter of Krishna who had been falsely accused of wrongdoing. Her father punished her by turning her into a bird, but the love and sacrifice of her brother eventually allowed her to regain human form. It is a story passed down through generations, forming an essential part of the cultural fabric of Mithila.^[7]

Celebration

The celebration starts from the night of Chhath puja. This is the 7th day of the month of Kartik. Young, mostly unmarried girls assemble near the ghats of chhath with a basket containing small idols of sama and chakeva, candles, kohl, clay made daily use appliances etc. at night.^[8]

The statuettes carried by the girls comprise, Shama, Chakeva, Chugala, Jhailwala (cymbalist), Mirdangiya (drummer), Brindavan, a wild fowl, a bumblebee and a dog, the characters of the Shama Chakeva festival.

Shama and her companions

They sing traditional songs, perform some rituals like making kohl, exchanging baskets. This celebration continues till Kartik Purnima. On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, girls take a dip in river and the idols of Sama and Chakeva are immersed in the river.^[9][10]

Idols of Sama and Chakeba

• 
  Celebration by Maithils
• 
  Women celebrating Sama Chakeba
• 
  Celebration by Tharu people of Mithila

Traditional Songs / Geet

An Eastern Tharu folk song sung during Shama Chakeva festival while giving 'ashik' or blessing to brothers.

''Tohe Badka Bhaiya ho''

''Sama Khele Chalali''

''Chugala Koṭhi Chhaur Bhaiya Koṭhi Chaur''

''Jotala Kheta Me Baisih He''

''Sama Khele Geliyai ge Bahini''

and Many more...^[11]

Cultural significance and rituals

Sama Chakeva is not only a celebration of the bond between siblings, but also reflects the broader cultural identity and traditional artistry of the Mithila region. During the festival, women and young girls craft clay figurines of Sama, Chakeva, and other characters like Chugla, trees, and birds. These figures are placed in colorful bamboo baskets and carried through open fields or courtyards while participants sing traditional Maithili folk songs. The immersion of the idols in rivers or ponds on Kartik Purnima signifies the farewell of Sama and the hope for her return in the next year.^[12][13]

The festival also serves as a tribute to migratory birds, marking their seasonal movement from the Himalayas to the Gangetic plains. The clay bird figures symbolize respect for nature and Mithila’s deep connection with the environment.^[14]

In some parts of the region, rituals during Sama Chakeva include symbolic acts such as burning the moustache of Chugla — representing the destruction of slander and evil — and offering special food to brothers such as chiura, dahi, and jaggery during Faarbhari.^[15]