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Koraput is the home to about 50 tribal groups, including the Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis, Bhotras and Gadabas. Their rich cultures and heritage are distinctive in their clan organization, territories, social structures, rituals, folk art, music and dance.

Tribal religion combines animalism, nature-worship, shamanism, anthropomorphism and ancestor worship. The main deities are the Sun God and Mother Earth, who help humans survive and procreate. Tribal people also believe in evil spirits, who they try to appease by offering animal sacrifices. Many customs, traditions and rituals revolve around pragmatic issues of good harvest, soil fertility, maintaining livestock, protection against predators and avoidance of disease.