Context

• What a centuries-old folk theatre form, Bon Bibi’r Palagaan, unique to the Sundarban islands in West Bengal tells us about human fragility, survival and surrender in the tide country.

Bon Bibi:

• Bonbibi is a unique deity who brings together Hindus and Muslims residing in Bengal’s Sunderbans.
• The followers of Bon Bibi are fishermen, crab-collectors and honey-gatherers who live in the mangroves with wild animals such as tigers and crocodiles to earn a livelihood.
• They believe that only Bon Bibi protects them when they enter the forest.
• People express their belief in Bon Bibi is through Bon Bibi’r Palagaan.

Bon Bibi’r Palagaan:

• It is a centuries-old folk theatre and dramatic storytelling form that is enacted throughout the island.
• Traditionally, the performances are held near Bon Bibi temples or villages bordering the forests,