Dhanusha: The Sama-Chakewa festival, symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters in Maithili communities, is being observed with enthusiasm in the Mithila region. This ten-day festival begins on Panchami, a day before Chhath, and is dedicated to the well-being and longevity of brothers.

During the festival, women engage in various rituals, including the creation of clay idols decorated with vibrant colors. Carrying these idols in bamboo baskets, they sing traditional Maithili songs and dance in unison, spreading joy across roundabouts, thoroughfares, public spaces, and temples.

The celebration involves married women visiting their maternal homes, while those without brothers partake in festivities with cousins. The festival culminates with the submersion of idols in ponds, rivers, or recently ploughed land on the eleventh day of the full moon.

Rooted in ancient legend, the festival commemorates the story of Sama, Lord Krishna's daughter, who was cursed to become a bird but was restored to human form by her brother Samba's courageous actions. The Sama-Chakewa festival is believed to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters and extend the lives of brothers.

Celebrated in Tarai districts such as Mahottari, Sarlahi, Siraha, Dhanusha, Saptari, Bara, and Parsa, as well as in bordering towns in India, the festival typically commences a day before the Chhat festival in Mithilanchal.