Gaighat, Nov. 27:The indigenous Tharus and other communities, who have been permanently living in the Tarai and the inner Madhes for generations, are now busy celebrating the Sama-Chakewa festival with enthusiasm. 

With the conclusion of the major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, the local Tharu community in Gaighat has been celebrating this festival in Gaighat from the day of Kartik Shukla Dwitia or Bhai Tika to the midnight of Kartik Purnima.

For 10 days, the women of Mithilanchal wish for the longevity of their brothers and perform the Sama-Chakewa songs and dances. 

Lila Chaudhary, a resident of Jyotinagar, Triyuga Municipality -11, said that the festival is a symbol of love between brothers and sisters. There is a tradition to make idols of different types of animals, birds and humans and perform prayers. 

He said that on the day of Bhai Tika of Tihar, it is customary to bring soil from the forest to make idols and keep them at home.

Idols of different species of birds and animals including humans made of raw clay are called ‘Sama’ and if the same Sama is cooked in fire, it is called ‘Chakewa’. 

The most interesting thing about this festival is sisters sing Sama (songs) in praise and blessing of their brothers in the evening time for 10 days of the festival.

At the midnight of Kartik Purnima on Monday, the women come out of their homes and gather at the road, singing the song in a long verse and rhythm, to mark the finale of the festival.