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Paper short abstract

Sundarbans in Bangladesh, fishermen, wood collectors, honey hunters, and other forest workers bid farewell to their families each time they head into the forest, fearing they may not return. During these farewells, they often perform to appease the local forest god, 'Gazi Pir.'

Paper long abstract

The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest in Bangladesh, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. This region is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, which particularly inhabits the Sundarbans, and the settlements surrounding the forest regard it as the heart of their lives and livelihoods. Fishermen, wood collectors, honey hunters, and other forest workers bid farewell to their families each time they head into the forest, fearing they may not return. During these farewells, they often perform special folk rituals to appease the local forest god, 'Gazi Pir.' These rituals, believed to ensure protection from tigers and to improve their livelihoods, are seen as a vital part of their journey into the forest. As part of an age-old cultural tradition, they sing 'Gazi’s Song,' a folk tale passed down through generations. For this research, data will be gathered through interviews with residents of the Sundarbans who live around the forest, using field surveys. Key informant interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) will serve as the primary data collection methods. The research data will be analysed using thematic analysis and will follow a qualitative research approach. Review of the existing literature reveals opportunities for new research into the efforts made by the local community to preserve the folktales surrounding 'Gazi Pir.' This paper will primarily explore how these potentially endangered folktales are being preserved in society, focusing on the preservation of Gazi’s stories, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Sundarbans region in Bangladesh.