In Orissa one out of every four persons is an Adivasi or Tribal. These tribals are heavily concentrated in the hilly tracts of Western Orissa. In the coastal regions they constitute a small percentage. They live there in a certain degree of seclusion and prestine form. They must have settled there in obscure past long before the coming of the Aryans.

The aboriginals still lead a simple, traditional and colourful life, hunting and agriculture, amidst deep woods, valleys, lush forests, and primitive situations in spite of the inroads of so-called modern civilization and developmental programmes. Over 62 distinct tribal groups live in Orissa, each one with its own culture and traditions different from the other. The main Adivasi groups include Kondh, Bondas, Santals, Juangs, Parajas, Oraon, Godabas and Koyas. The dormitory life among the Bonda youngs is quite fascinating. In the evening unmarried boys and girls enjoy music, dance, frolic and fun together and spend the night in dormitories until their mutual intimacy develops into a marriage. The simple, gay, abundant and colourful tribal life can be a great source of entertainment and education to the visitors. Their life is most characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways.

Kondhs form the largest group among 62 tribes of Orissa in numerical terms. They were once famous for their brutal acts of human sacrifice to achieve the end product of bumper crops. Paraja tribe is primarily located in the Kalahandi & Koraput regions of Orissa. Their language is Parij. They worship numerous Gods & goddesses of hills & forest. Saora is one of the most ancient tribes & are known for being marathon walkers, expert hunters & climbers. Personal hygiene is of immense importance to them. Bondos are fiercely independent & aggressive & continue to practice the barter system of exchanging products of their fields for their daily needs. Bondo women prefer to marry younger men so that they could have someone who would earn for them in their old age. Gonds are the warrior caste who have traveled the vast tracts of central & south India. Oraon are economically better placed because of their more progressive ways & interactions with the modern world in the field of Agriculture. An Oraon marriage partner can contest for divorce on the grounds of not only adultery but also for bad temper and laziness of his or her spouse.