Folk Beliefs and Ecological Sustainability

Unveiling Traditional Wisdom in the Sundarbans

Authors

  • Srijita Roy

Keywords:

Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Folk Beliefs, Conservation, Sundarbans, Bonbibi, Sacred Landscapes

Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability, particularly in regions where formal conservation policies face implementation challenges. The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove ecosystem spanning India and Bangladesh, presents a compelling case of how local belief systems regulate resource management. Religious and supernatural frameworks, such as the worship of Bonbibi, fear of DakshinRai, and reverence for water spirits, establish informal ecological codes that govern activities like honey collection, fishing, and wood gathering. This study explores the intersection of folk beliefs and conservation practices, analyzing the role of sacred landscapes, supernatural entities, and oral traditions in promoting environmental stewardship. Using qualitative research methods, it aims to document the ways in which these traditional narratives contribute to sustainable ecological practices in the region.

 

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Published

30-07-2025

How to Cite

Roy, S. (2025). Folk Beliefs and Ecological Sustainability: Unveiling Traditional Wisdom in the Sundarbans. Journal of Cultural Research Studies, 4(1), 42–53. Retrieved from https://culturalstudies.in/journal/index.php/JCRS/article/view/88

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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