The Sama-Chakeva festival celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters. According to an ancient folk tale, a brother uses his penance and self-sacrifice to save his sister from misfortune. Inspired by this moving story, the people of Mithilanchal in Bihar celebrate the Sama-Chakeva festival for nine days, starting from Kartik Shukla Paksha Saptami and ending on the full moon day (Purnima).
During this festival, small clay figurines of Sama and Chakeva, along with other characters like Chugla, Vrindavan, Batgamni, trees and birds are made. These figures are then placed in colourful bamboo baskets. Women gather in groups, carrying these baskets, and sing traditional songs wishing for the well-being of their brothers as they walk to open fields or courtyards. On the night of the full moon the festival is concluded by immersing the figurines. The farewell is conducted with the same rituals as the send-off of a daughter and her husband, complete with gifts like food, clothes and jewellery. Special folk songs dedicated to Bhagwati and Samdaon (the daughter’s send-off) are sung during this ceremony.
National award-winning artist Rajat Ghosh has recreated this sculpture collection of Sama-Chakeva in terracotta. He is known for his unique and distinctive style. His sculptures have proportionately larger heads and smaller limbs, with highly expressive facial features. This terracotta work captures all the festival’s characters – Sama, Chakeva, Chaukidar, small birds, Satbhaiya, Chugal, Khidlitch and Vrindavan – in his signature style.
The detailing in the eyes, noses, lips brings their emotions to life. While every figure is remarkable, the most captivating ones are the women carrying baskets, the Chugla character, and the Sama-Chakeva figurines. Additionally, there is a flute-holding Krishna sculpture, as Sama is believed to be Lord Krishna’s daughter.
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