6 Popular Festivals Celebrated in Sundarban
The largest delta in the world, the Sundarbans is a melting pot of cultures, communities, and nature. The land receives millions of tourists every year.
Well-known for its natural wonders and breathtaking greenery, the Sundarbans is also home to diverse communities. For example, the fishermen community, the honey-gathering community, and tribal communities including Munda, Oraon, and more. Inhabited and managed by such diverse communities, the festivals of Sundarbans are also varied, diverse, and vibrant.
A List of Sundarban Festivals
- Charak Puja
- Bono Bibi Mela
- Sundarban Mela
- Ilish Utsav
- Nouka Baaich
- Durga Puja
Isolated from Mainland Bengal, the Sundarbans mangrove is a parallel universe. Disconnected from the practices and traditions of the mainstream Bengali community – the land has its whims and fancies.
So, if you want to absorb the festivities and the cultural richness of the Sundarbans, reserve the best resort in Sundarban. Start exploring!
1. Charak Puja
The Charak Puja, also popularly known as Gajan, is celebrated in Sundarbans. It marks the last day of the Bengali calendar or what is popularly known as the Chaitra Sankranti. To worship Shiva and Parvati – honey, oil, money, sugar, etc is collected from households. During the ritual, a human offering is tied or pierced into a hook that sits atop a long shaft. This person is also called Deoboinshi. This custom is said to please Lord Shiva and is celebrated by hundreds of Sundarban residents every year. Engage in a 1 night 2 days tour to absorb the intense practices of Charak Puja.
2. Bono Bibi Mela
Bono Durga or Bono Bibi – The forest goddess of the Sundarbans who has no religion. Her fame has today reached the commercial arena of Coke Studio music. She is known to protect the residents of Sundarbans from the man-eating tigers and other vices of the wildlife.
Every year in the month of Baisakhi, the Bono Bibi Mela (Fair) is held. It commences on the last Tuesday of the Bengali month. During the event, various arrangements are performed – theatrics, music, and folk dance. With the help of these performances, the legends of the Forest Protectress is narrated to the audience.
3. Sundarban Mela
Organized in late October, the Sundarban Mela (Fair) celebrates the diverse nature of the land. As the land receives residents from Central India, Midnapore districts and more – Sundarban witnesses diversity in all spheres of life.
This is showcased in the Sundarban Mela via performances of Jhumur Dance, Chhau Dance, Bhatiyali and Baul music sessions. Another interesting sight is the Bonobibir Pala. It is a stage drama that narrates the legend of Bono Bibi who defeated the ever-powerful Dakshin Ray (depicted as a tiger). Book the best resort in Sundarban to enjoy each event with thrill and awe!
4. Ilish Utsav
Commences during the onset of monsoons – Ilish Utsav is a widely celebrated festival of the Sundarbans. The festival celebrates Hilsa fish and its unique taste profiles.
From Ilish Paturi to Ilish Bhapa – every delicacy has a different touch and texture. Book a 2-night 3-day tour package and explore the taste of this unforgettable fish.
It is the best time for foodies to visit the Sundarbans. Also, for people who love adventures, this is a great time to visit. The water currents grow stronger, making boat rides more adventurous.
Read More:
Borsha Boron 2025: Ilish Utsav and Other Delights
5. Sundarban Durga Puja
More famous for its natural beauty, the Sundarbans is also frequented by visitors in the Durga Puja. It is a festival that celebrates the 10-armed Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishashura.
The event is celebrated by Sundarbans’ residents and wonderfully so. Visit the Sundarbans during the 5-day long Durga Puja festival to explore the local pandals and immerse yourself in the regional art. The weather is also quite pleasant during this time.
Stay at a luxury hotel in Sundarban to avoid any chaos during your stay. Thus, making this year’s Durga Puja your family’s favorite annual memory.
6. Nouka Baich
Like the renowned snake boat race (Onam) in the backwaters of Kerala, there’s a similar race you’ll find on the fringes of mainland Bengal. It is popularly known as Nauka Baich and is performed in the waters of the Sundarbans.
This occurs during the monsoon, especially in September. It is also known as Baich khela and is a part of the Manasa worship tradition. After the Manasa Puja is over, the Baich khela begins as a part of celebrating her immersion in the holy waters.
Nouka Baich is an age-old tradition that’s decaying today. Except for a few communities like the one in Sundarban – the boat race has become a part of history.
Before You Go
The Sundarbans mangrove is the world’s largest mangrove forest. Thus, it is ecologically one of the richest zones. Although, due to Sundarbans’ fluctuating climatic conditions – livelihood isn’t easy.
To live like there’s no tomorrow while considering age-old traditions isn’t an easy effort. But the people of Sundarban have shown how to do it. By celebrating every local festival, and cooking authentic delicacies amid pure chaos.
Be it Durga Puja or Sundarban Mela – festivities are an integral part of the Sundarbans. Embrace it while feasting on delicious dishes!