In short: Sama Chakeva is a tender Mithila (Bihar) folk festival of the sibling bond, observed through the Kartik month — from around Chhath in mid-November to Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026 — as sisters make and worship clay bird figurines and sing folk songs for their brothers’ wellbeing.

In the Mithila region of Bihar (and neighbouring Nepal), Sama Chakeva is a heart-warming folk festival celebrating the love between sisters and brothers. Named after Sama and Chakeva, children of Lord Krishna in local lore, it sees women and girls craft colourful clay figurines of birds and characters, sing traditional songs, and pray for their brothers’ long life — echoing the spirit of Bhai Dooj and Raksha Bandhan in Mithila’s own way.

When is Sama Chakeva 2026?

Sama Chakeva is observed across several days of the Kartik month, traditionally from around Chhath (mid-November) up to Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026, when the figurines are given a farewell. Exact village customs vary — confirm locally. See our Chhath Puja 2026 guide and Karthika Masam 2026.

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How it is celebrated

  • Clay figurines: sisters mould and paint clay birds (Sama, Chakeva and companions) and keep them through the festival.
  • Evening gatherings & songs: girls gather to sing Sama-Chakeva folk songs, enacting the story of the siblings.
  • The farewell (bidai): on the final day near Kartik Purnima, the figurines are given a loving send-off, symbolising a sister’s blessings for her brother.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sama Chakeva 2026?

Sama Chakeva is observed through the Kartik month, from around Chhath (mid-November) to Kartik Purnima on 24 November 2026, when the clay figurines are given a farewell.

What is Sama Chakeva?

A Mithila (Bihar) folk festival celebrating the brother–sister bond, named after Sama and Chakeva of local Krishna lore; sisters make clay bird figurines and sing folk songs praying for their brothers’ wellbeing.

Where is Sama Chakeva celebrated?

Chiefly in the Mithila region of Bihar and the adjoining Mithila districts of Nepal.

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