Sama-Chakeva

In the legend, Sama, a daughter of Krishna, is falsely accused and cursed to become a bird. Her brother Chakeva performs penance until she is restored. The festival celebrates his loyalty — and coincides with the arrival of winter birds from the north on Mithila's ponds.

The clay figures

Girls and women make small painted clay figures: Sama and Chakeva as birds, the gossip Chugla (whose false words caused the curse, and whose moustache is ritually burned), and other characters. Each evening they carry them in baskets to the fields, singing.

The farewell

On the full moon night of Kartik, the figures are 'sent off' — ceremonially broken or immersed in a field or pond — as brothers receive blessings from their sisters. The songs and the clay art make it one of Mithila's most charming traditions.