The Sunderban Mela celebrates the diverse arts and crafts of the Sunderbans, a mangrove area at the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. This festival highlights the unique cultural landscape of the region and is dedicated to showcasing the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)-based crafts and performing arts of the Sunderbans. The festival features various folk art forms such as Bhatiyali, Bonbibir Pala, Jhumur, shola work, Chau dance and Baul songs. Bhatiyali, a mystic form of folk music sung by boatmen while sailing down the rivers, has 150 practicing artists in Jogeshganj Block in the Sunderbans. Bonbibir Pala, a mythology-based folk drama, is practised by 18 groups residing in Jameshpur, Bali, Rangabelia and Jameshgunj. Jhumur, introduced by groups of migrants from Chota Nagpur Plateau during the British rule, is currently practiced by 17 groups in different parts of the Sunderbans, especially Jameshpur and Dayapur.
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