Bonbibi: A Religion of the Forest in the Sundarbans

Abstract

This article speaks about Bonbibi, the forest goddess of the Sundarbans. Drawing on Bonbibi Johuranama, along with oral history and field narratives, it traces the practice of Bonibibi worship in the mangrove forests. The article explores how and why Bonbibi worship has evolved as a “religion of the forest,” blurring boundaries between Hindus and Muslims, all of whom pay reverence to her before entering into the forests to carry out their livelihoods. Lastly, the article argues that the cult of Bonbibi offers an opportunity to reflect on place-based framings of the environment in specific conservation landscapes, where the dominant conservation ethic is rooted in statist provisions.