MAHOTTARI: The Sama Chakewa festival has begun in the Mithila region. This festival, dedicated to brothers, is observed by the women of Mithila.
It begins on the second day of the Chhath festival, or the Kartik Shukla Panchhami — the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the moon in the month of Kartik — and is observed for 11 days. It concludes on the full moon day of Kartik.
During the festival, women gather at night to sing songs praising the bravery, benevolence, dedication and love of their brothers. In the local language, the festival is called Samakhel.
The festival begins on the day of Kharana during Chhath. The women create clay figures of Sama and Chakewa (mythical characters from the Dwapara Yuga), Brindavan (forest), Saptarshi (seven revered sages in Hindu mythology), birds, and Chugala (the gossip messenger). They decorate these figures with vibrant colors and sing songs while interacting symbolically with the characters. Oil lamps are lit in a dala (a traditional wicker basket), and through songs, the women describe the qualities of each figure, highlighting the philanthropic and brave deeds of their brothers. These songs express pride and admiration for their brothers’ courage, social contributions, and good deeds.
The Chugala character, regarded as the gossipmonger, is symbolically punished during the festival by singeing his beard with a small flame from a broom. In songs, the character is scolded and blamed for mischief and misdeeds.
On the final day, it is customary for brothers to place all the clay figures on their knees and break them. The broken figures are then disposed of in the forests. After this, brothers offer their sisters beaten rice made from newly harvested paddy and sakkhar (molasses). In return, sisters serve their brothers delicacies, and the brothers give their sisters clothes, jewelry, and cash (dakshina).
