14/05/2025
Traditional Bonbibi Fair Held in the Deep Forests of Kultali, Sundarbans at Maipith Nagenabad by Maipith Nagenabad Nabajagoron Sangha....
As in previous years, the traditional Bonbibi Fair—also known locally as the Jungle Mela—was held on Tuesday in Maipith, under the Kultali Assembly constituency of the Sundarbans. Rooted in faith and ancient customs, the worship of Bonbibi and the accompanying fair continues to take place deep within the forests of Maipith. Thousands of people from distant places flocked to witness this unique celebration of Sundarbans culture and traditions.
Life in the Sundarbans is intricately linked to the forest. To earn their livelihood, many residents venture into the dense, tiger-infested mangrove forests in search of honey, crabs, and fish. Facing mortal danger every day, they seek the blessings of Bonbibi, the forest goddess, to protect them from tiger attacks. Before entering the forest, locals perform rituals and make offerings to the goddess, and upon returning safely with forest produce, they fulfill their vows at Bonbibi temples. As part of tradition, they also release a rooster in the forest as an offering to the tiger.
The Bonbibi Fair centers around these beliefs and draws people from both Hindu and Muslim communities, who worship the goddess together in harmony. The temple of Bonbibi is a modest structure made of bamboo walls and asbestos roofing, nestled in the heart of the mangrove forest, across the Makri River from Nagenabad village near Maipith.
Every year, on the last Tuesday of the Bengali month of Baisakh, a grand celebration is held here. Devotees cross the river—often wading through waist-deep mud and boarding boats in a thrilling journey—to reach the temple. The local fair committee and administration arrange free boat services on the day of the fair, and the forest department provides security in and around the temple.
The temple premises are fenced with nets and elevated pathways to protect visitors from tiger attacks. Thousands crossed the Makri River to gather at the forest temple, located in the dense Boitha Bhanga jungle—home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger.
Visitors like Putiram Mondal from Gosaba and Saidulla Molla from Joynagar expressed joy at participating in the rituals and fair, saying it is the one day of the year when they can offer prayers to Bonbibi with devotion and community spirit.
With the participation of thousands and the rich blend of faith, culture, and thrill, this year’s Bonbibi Fair—truly the Jungle Mela—was once again a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of Sundarbans life and belief.
