Sama-Chakewa festival concludes

By Our Correspondent,Gaighat, Nov. 8: Sama-Chakewa festival, which began on the day of Bhai Tika and concluded at midnight on the full moon day of Kartik, was grandly observed this year by the Tharu community of Udayapur.

According to Ramsewak Chaudhary, a resident of Triyuga Municipality-11, Jyotinagar, the festival symbolises the love and bond between brothers and sisters. As part of the celebration, clay idols of animals, birds, and human figures are made and worshipped.

On the day of Bhai Tika, people traditionally collect clay from the forest to prepare the idols at home, marking the formal beginning of this sacred festival the following day.

The raw clay idols of various species of birds and animals are called ‘Sama’, and once they are baked in fire, they are known as ‘Chakewa’.

According to legend, Sama was the daughter of Lord Krishna. When Krishna cursed his daughter to become a bird, her brother Samb later played a role in helping her regain her human form.

 This story is closely associated with the origin of the Sama-Chakewa festival, said Tharu priest Basudev Chaudhary of Triyuga Municipality-5, Deuri.

The preparation for this festival begins on the day of Kharna during the Chhath festival, when people start making the clay figures.

 On the first day, Siri Sama is made. On the second day, Chakewa and Satbhainya, seven birds sitting on a single leaf, are crafted. 

Gradually, figures like Kharruchi Bhaiya, Bato Bahini, two-faced birds, and siblings separated by fate are also made.

On the full moon night of Kartik, women sing traditional rhythmic songs and gather at crossroads, marking the final ritual of the festival.

Likewise, the festival concludes with the immersion of clay items of Sama and Chakewa in a local pond, river, or recently ploughing land on the day of Kartik Purnima.