INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
DHANUSHA, NOVEMBER 26Sama-Chakewa, a festival that marks the affectionate brother-sister relationship in Maithili
communities, is being observed with enthusiasm.
World Stroke Day, 2023 being observed today
Maha Navami being observed today
This festival starts from Panchami, a day before the festival of Chhath and lasts for 10 days
For ten days, the women of Mithilanchal wish for the longevity of their brothers and perform the Sama- Chakewa songs and dance.On the first
day of the 10-day festivity, women collect clay, make idols and decorate them with various colours.
Carrying the same idols
in bamboo baskets, they sing in chorus in Maithili language and dance across roundabouts, thoroughfares, public spaces and temples
throughout the festivity.While observing the rituals, women also wish for the long and healthy life of their brothers
Married women visit their maternal homes for the celebration while those having no brothers observe the festivity with cousins in their
locality.The idols are later submerged in a pond or river or in recently-ploughed land on the eleventh day of full moon to mark the end of
the festival.This cultural festival has its roots in the ancient legend
The legend has it that Sama, a young daughter of Lord Krishna was once falsely accused of wrongdoings and cursed to be a bird
Her brother, Samba, took fearless action out of love towards his sister, which finally brought Sama back to human form.According to popular
belief playing Sama Chakewa will prolong the life of brothers and strengthen the relationship with sisters.Celebrated in various districts
across Tarai including Mahottari, Sarlahi, Siraha, Dhanusha, Saptari, Bara and Parsa, the festival is also observed with verve in many
In Mithilanchal, it usually begins a day before the Chhat festival.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com
