About the Tradition
Sama Chakeva is a popular winter festival celebrated primarily in the Mithila region of Bihar. It marks the brother-sister bond and welcomes the migratory birds that fly down from the Himalayas to the plains of Bihar during winter. Story behind the festival: The festival is based on the story of Sama, a daughter of Lord Krishna, who was falsely accused of wrongdoing and turned into a bird. Her brother Chakeva undertook intense penance and fought to restore her human form, showcasing brotherly love and devotion. Key Rituals: - Making Clay Idols: Girls make clay figurines of Sama, Chakeva, their friends, and a wicked character called Vrindaban. - Nightly Songs: Over several nights, girls gather in groups carrying these idols in decorated baskets, singing traditional songs and performing rituals. - Immersion: On Kartik Poornima, the clay idols are immersed in water bodies or fields, symbolizing the birds returning to their original homes.