'Sama-Chakewa, a festival of self-discipline'

Mahendranagar (Dhanusha), Nov 10: Chief Minister of Madhesh Province Satish Kumar Singh said Sama-Chakewa is a festival that inspires people to maintain self-discipline among the younger generation and work in unison thereby strengthening social relations.     

Inaugurating a Sama-Chakewa Sculpture Making Workshop in Janakpurdham on Sunday, CM Singh recognized the festival's role in promoting healthy lifestyle.     

The festival, CM Singh, asserted is not only an expression of love between brothers and sisters but an occasion to maintain meaningful relations with neighbours, essential for forging communal amity and building an ideal society.     

Sama-Chakewa is a festival in Maithili community that celebrates love and affection between brothers and sisters.     

In the workshop jointly organized by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Maithili Development Fund, CM Singh argued every festival is associated with the spiritual, scientific and physical awareness.     

The CM reaffirmed provincial government's commitment to promote cultural and traditional festivals. He urged the media persons to create audio-video contents that shed light the characteristics and significances of Sama-Chakewa festival.     

Similarly, NAFA's Chancellor Naradmuni Hartamchhali, informed the objective of the workshop was to promote research and creations of art works. He suggested the provincial government considering establishment of an Art Academy in Madhesh Province through Act rather than through procedure.     

Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Manoj Kumar Shah called for preservation and promotion of festival like Sama-Chakewa.     

Likewise, litterateur Dr Rajendra Bimal noted the inherent values in every tradition and culture of Mithila region.     

Chief of Department of Sculpture and scholar member Dinesh Mahato emphasized transferring skills and knowledge to prevent the extinction of indigenous arts.     

Fund's President Jivanath Chaudhary expressed his confidence that the new generation would learn traditional art skills through the workshop.     

On the occasion, the Fund honoured CM Singh and NAFA's Chancellor Hartamchhali. Also, singer Sunil Kumar Mallik enthused participants of the workshop singing the songs related to Sama-Chakewa.     

The 10-day festival usually starts from Panchami, a day before Chhath festival, according to the lunar calendar.(RSS)