Keeping Faith in Bonbibi!

Wildlife Conservation in the Sundarbans. The centuries-old belief in the coexistence of humans and animals has never been as important as it is today! The author gives us a glimpse into such a tradition in the Sundarbans.

- DIPTARKA GHOSH

Several human communities have been sharing space with wild animals for centuries in and around the diverse forests of India. This wonderful coexistence has mainly been possible due to some special age-old religious beliefs, myths, and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation and form an integral part of the cultural identity of these indigenous communities. Over the years, these beliefs have led to the beginning of humble practices such as worshipping wild beings and other natural forces (sun, moon, rivers, etc.) These rituals that speak of both reverence and inter-connectedness have always guided the communities whenever there have been any incidents of conflict between humans and animals.

Conservationists believe, therefore, that a knowledge of these indigenous beliefs and practices can broaden our understanding of human-wildlife relationships and help in the implementation of modern conservation practices. The following article discusses one such cultural institution – the worship of Bonbibi – which has been practiced by the inhabitants of Sundarbans for many years.

KEEPING FAITH IN BONBIBI

“Bipod e poriya bon e jeijon e daak e, Ma boliya Bonbibi doya r maa take… Uddhariye taro torey aponaro goon e, Maaer o hujura koto likhibo ekhane…” – Bonbibi Johuranama