Diverse Bedey Community of Noakhali

Anthropologically, the Bedey are Austro-Asloid rather than Aryan or Arabian. Research suggests they migrated from the Montong Manta of Arakan or branched from the Santal community. After migrating from India in the first century AD and spending time in Arabia, they returned to the subcontinent in the seventh century. Physically, they are characterized by dark skin, curly hair, and sturdy builds.

Historically marginalized, the Bedey adopted a nomadic, river-centric lifestyle to survive. While they speak Bengali with the public, they use a private language called Thet or Thar from the Tibeto-Burman family. 1991 data recorded approximately 40,000 Thar-speakers in Bangladesh.

Today, over 200 Bedey families reside in areas like Banchhanagar and Char Majupur in Lakshmipur Sadar; Mannan Nagar in Noakhali Sadar; Chowmuhani Bazar and Maizdee Bazar in Begumganj; Abdul Malek Ukil Medical College area and Sonagazi’s Feni. Their religious practices are diverse and syncretic. By religion, they are Muslim, but their rituals follow Sanatan Hindu traditions. According to the Department of Social Services: Total Population: 75,702 nationwide. Literacy: 90% are illiterate. Religious Identity: 99% are Muslim.

Syncretic Traditions and Social Structure: Their religious life is uniquely syncretic. While they identify as Muslim and perform weddings and burials according to Islamic Sharia, their daily rituals follow Sanatan Hindu traditions. They worship deities such as Kali, Durga, and Manasa, and remain socially distinct from mainland Muslim populations. The community is organized into "fleets"(bahar) governed by a Sardar(chief). The Sardar holds significant authority, including the equal distribution of assets and children during a divorce.

Professions and Livelihood: Identifying largely as Manta, the Bedey live in boat-style land canopies or floating vessels. Their economy relies on traditional skills.

Women: Often the primary earners, they engage in small trade, snake charming, herbal medicine, and traditional cupping (shingga).Men: Focus on fishing, magic shows, monkey shows, and treating snake bites. Bedey women often dress as the "Kalnagini" (serpent queen) to attract audiences, using the dugdugi (hand-drum) and live snakes to create a rhythmic musical performance that has sustained their nomadic heritage for generations.
References: 1.Local residents 2.Mahbubul Bashar, Music Instructor, Shilpakala Academy, Lakshmipur 3.Mihir Chowdhury Kamilla, Banglar Lokojo Sanskriti Swade-Aswade, W.Bengal, India


M Pana Ullah is a poet
and folk researcher.