Sama-Chakeva
A Festive Celebration of Sibling Love
Season
Winter (Kartik month, November)
Main Characters
Sama, Chakeva, Chugla, Satbhaiya
Key Tradition
Making clay dolls & singing folk songs
Theme
Love between brother and sister
Watch and Learn! 📺
Sama-Chakeva is a beautiful folk festival celebrated in the Mithila region of Bihar. It tells the mythological story of Sama (Lord Krishna's daughter) who was cursed to become a bird, and her loving brother Chakeva who brought her back to human form through his deep love and penance. Girls make colorful clay dolls representing Sama, Chakeva, and the seven bird brothers (Satbhaiya). They also make 'Chugla', the character who loves to spread false rumors. Sibling love is celebrated as sisters sing traditional songs in orchards, feed the clay birds grains, and playfully burn the mustache of the rumor-monger Chugla!
Listen to Audio Guide 🎧
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Test Your Knowledge! 🎯
What bond does the festival of Sama-Chakeva celebrate?
In the Sama-Chakeva stories, who is 'Chugla'?
What does 'Satbhaiya' mean in the festival?
Look at the colorful dolls in your book: Sama, Chakeva, and the funny rumor-monger Chugla! Count the 'Satbhaiya' (seven bird brothers) inside the basket and circle the correct number 7. Sing the traditional song along with your sister/brother!
Check your workbook for details.