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DeutschSama Chakeva
| Saama Chakeba | |
|---|---|
 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 |
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]
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
[edit]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 Chakeva 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
[edit]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]
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]
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Celebration by Maithils -
Women celebrating Sama Chakeba -
Celebration by Tharu people of Mithila
Traditional Songs / Geet
[edit]''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]
References
[edit]- ^ "पर्यावरण रक्षा का संदेश देता सामा चकवा". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "यस्तो छ सामा-चकेवा पर्वको पौराणिक कथा र महत्व". Online Khabar (in Nepali). Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "बेतिया: भाई-बहन के अटूट प्रेम का प्रतीक सामा-चकेवा पर्व का समापन". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Bihar's Sama Chakeva Festival: Celebrating Sibling Love & Migratory Birds".
- ^ "Tharu people celebrating Sama-Chakeva festival in Nepal". Republica. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ "Sama Chakeva festival and its connection to Maithili identity". The Times of India.
- ^ "Sama-Chakeva festival begins from Friday". The Himalayan Times. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Sama Chakeva festival begins in Mithilanchal". English.MakaluKhabar.com. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ Bishnu K Jha, (2ila's submerged in Sama-Chakeva celebrations". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
- ^ Sunita Pant Bansal (2005). Encyclopaedia of India, pp. 71-72. Smriti Books, ISBN 8187967714
- ^ "Folk songs, chanted while sisters burn Chugala, revive the captivating heritage of Mithila".
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