A Qualitative Study on Traditions, Rituals, and Practices Related to 'Rash Festival Sundarbans' and Its Impact on the Community Livelihood and Ecosystem of Sundarbans Mangrove Forest of Bangladesh

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to develop an in-depth, holistic examination of the diverse traditions, socio-cultural relevance, economic roles, environmental linkages, and modern sustainability challenges associated with the Rash Festival from multiple stakeholder perspectives.

Methods: This qualitative study utilized in-depth individual interviews as the sole data collection approach. Through open-ended, semi-structured conversations, experiences and perspectives surrounding the Rash Festival were documented by 19 purposively sampled respondents, including festival organizers, local villagers, community leaders, religious elders, and government officials. The interviews explored topics related to belief systems, livelihood dependencies, and ecological connections associated with the festival traditions.

Results: Transcripts underwent iterative thematic analysis of detailed respondent narratives, revealing the Rash Festival as a cultural anchor that intertwines mythology, identity, spirituality, and occupational heritage for Sundarbans communities over generations. This study also confirmed economic stimulus effects during celebrations. However, interviews simultaneously highlighted growing cultural dilution, ecological strains from swelling attendance, and consumer practices that challenge sustainability.

Conclusion: Rash Mela Sundarbans emerges as a dynamic entity navigating tradition and change. The festival's impact on cultural identity, economic dimensions, and environmental sustainability necessitates a delicate balance. The research provides a nuanced understanding of Rash Mela's complexities, offering insights for future endeavors to preserve its cultural vibrancy while embracing the evolving socio-cultural landscape. 

• Supervision