Bonbibi, also called Banbibi, is the lady of the forest: a guardian spirit of the Sundarbans venerated by both Hindu and Muslim residents. Honey-collectors and woodcutters call on her for protection before entering the forest.
At Bakkhali her shrine stands on the beach. A 2016 report in Scroll.in describes a banyan tree beside it where devotees tie threads for their wishes, and idols of other Hindu deities inside the temple.
Visiting respectfully
- Remove footwear where asked and dress modestly.
- Ask before photographing the shrine's interior or people at prayer.
- Ask locally about puja days; we have not verified the temple's timings.
Photo: a Bonbibi temple at Pakhiralay in the Sundarbans, not the Bakkhali shrine. We don't yet have a licensed photo of the Bakkhali temple.
