Saama Chakeba is a
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism.Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
festival, originating from the
Mithilaregion of the
Indian subcontinent. 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. 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.
Mythological significance
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.
Celebration
The celebration starts from the night of
Chhath
Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival historically native to the Indian subcontinent, more specifically, the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal, Jharkhand, and the Nepalese provinces of Madhesh and Lumbini. Prayers during 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.
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.
[Sunita Pant Bansal (2005)]
''Encyclopaedia of India''
pp. 71-72. Smriti Books,
References
Festivals in Bihar
Customs involving siblings
{{Nepal-stub
Festivals in Nepal
Mithila
Culture of Madhesh