Sama Chakeva Festival: Socio-Ecological Insights from Mithila's Cultural Tradition
By Vikas K. Verma
Summary
The Sama Chakeva festival, celebrated in the Mithila region since ancient times, reflects the interplay between the region, its environment, and cultural practices. Rooted in legends from the Puranas, the festival commemorates the sacrifice of Samba for his sister Sama’s liberation from a curse, emphasizing the brother-sister relationship. This study examines the festival’s environmental dimensions, highlighting its connection to socio-ecological values and artistic practices. Mithila’s historical and geographical context is traced through ancient texts, including the Valmiki Ramayana and Vishnu Purana, which describe its origins and the Videha dynasty. The region’s political evolution, from the Vedic period to the Mauryan and Gupta empires, is outlined, alongside its cultural resilience through various ruling dynasties. The festival’s continuity underscores its significance in Maithil culture, serving as a living tradition that connects people to their ecological and historical heritage.
Conclusion
This study of the Sama Chakeva festival in the Mithila region highlights its role as a living cultural bridge between tradition and ecology. By analyzing the festival’s rituals, historical roots, and socio-environmental symbolism, the research underscores how indigenous practices encode ecological wisdom, fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship. The findings emphasize the urgency of preserving such traditions amid modern environmental challenges, positioning them as vital repositories of sustainable knowledge. The festival’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to adapt while retaining core values, offering a model for balancing cultural heritage with contemporary ecological consciousness.