Sama-Chakewa festival begins in Mithila region

Janakpurdham, Nov 14: Sama-Chakewa festival remaining as a symbol of love, goodwill and closeness among brothers and sisters commenced in the Mithila region. Sisters and daughters in the Mithila region engage en mass in traditional singing and dancing, wishing for happiness, prosperity and longevity of their brothers. According to Pundit Ram Kumar Shastri, who is known to this festival, sisters/daughters form groups and visit paddy fields in open areas outside the village to collect mud dug out by their brothers in the first day of the festival.

As per the traditions, 'Sama-Chakewa' figures are arranged in a red bamboo basket and lamps are illuminated. Devotees carry them at night to village squares, crossroads, junctions, schools, public rest houses, temples, and the Chhath ghats to perform songs and dances. In the morning of the eleventh day, new Sama-Chakeva figures are made and painted.

In the evening, after serving dahi-chiura (yogurt and beaten rice) to their brothers, women perform the traditional phanr bharne ritual. The brothers then break the Sama-Chakewa figures.