Religion and magic are important aspects of tribal cultures in India. They are closely connected with the social, economic and ecological life of tribal communities. Tribal religious beliefs are generally based on a close relationship between human beings, nature and supernatural powers. Unlike organized religions with elaborate scriptures and institutions, tribal religion is often expressed through oral traditions, rituals, myths, taboos, festivals and community practices. A major feature of tribal religion is animism, the belief that spirits or supernatural forces exist in natural objects and phenomena. Mountains, rivers, forests, trees, animals, stones and other elements of nature may be regarded as sacred. Many tribes believe in spirits associated with ancestors, villages, forests and agricultural fields. For example, sacred groves are protected by several tribal