The whole of the West Bengal state houses multitudes of tribes thronging in every hook and corner of the region. In other words, tribes of West Bengal are quite numerous. Near about three quarters of the total population of the tribes of West Bengal resides in the rural areas. Many of these tribes of West Bengal have adapted to diverse religious practices. Amongst them, Hinduism, with its subdivision of various castes and native tribes, lays claim that they comprises of over three fourths of the total tribal populace of the West Bengal state. The rest comprises of Muslim community.

As far as the languages are concerned, most of these tribes of West Bengal converse with each other mainly in Bengali language. In fact these tribe s are quite proud of their enriched culture and language. Variant dialects are also equally amongst these tribes of West Bengal.

Fair and festivals are part and parcel of the culture of the tribes of West Bengal. The popular saying goes that West Bengal people celebrate thirteen festivals in twelve months. Durga Puja is the most significant festival among the whole tribal community people, feted usually in the autumn season. According to Hindu mythology, all the deities of Hindu assemblage empowered Durga with a portion of their individual energy to give her power to annihilate the evil forces. The image of Durga depicts her execution of the most potent devil, namely, Mahisasur. Presents and gifts are exchanged amongst each other. Other festivals include Makar Sankranti, Kali Puja, Noboborsho etc are also popular in the whole of tribal society.

These tribes of West Bengal are renowned for their sumptuous food items. Community feasts, locally known as Bhoj, are organized in every house of these tribes, especially at the time of festivals. Equally renowned is their hospitality in serving their dishes to guests. These tribes of West Bengal are mostly farmers. However, during the contemporary time, some of these tribes of West Bengal have taken up the professions like carpentry, weavers, hunters etc. Fishing is one of the most popular occupations that these tribes of West Bengal have developed expertise. The different types of Machh (Fish), especially fresh water ones are characteristic of the state of Bengal. Hilsha and Golda Chingri (lobster) ,Katla and Ruhi are favorite in almost all the eateries.

Tribes of West Bengal are famous in all over the whole world for its proficiency in art and crafts. They are truly skilled in creating splendors to its outstanding works on carpentry, terracotta, drawings, and textile. Earthenware, brass and copperware, needle works, wall-hanging, hand looms, fine muslin and silk clothes, wood statues, cane works etc. are a couple of examples of handcrafts which have developed from the villages households of these tribes of West Bengal. Maximum of these craft products embellish the cottage industry of the state and has been spine of the economy of the rural provinces of the West Bengal state.

After conducting survey in the region, the anthropologists inferred that in the state, there are about forty recognized communities of tribes. Most significant amongst these tribes of West Bengal are the Santals, Oraons, Munas, Lepchas, and Bhutias. These tribes comprises of less than one-tenth of the total population of the state.

Here is the list of some of the tribes of West Bengal
Bhuiya: the popular belief is that this Bhuiya tribe of West Bengal has originated from the womb of Mother Earth.

Bhutia: In West Bengal , Bhutiya tribes are most famous for its exotic cuisine comprising of momo, Chyang drink as well as for its woolens and clothes.

Chero: Chero is an important tribe of West Bengal belonging to Indo- Aryan family , where the word itself has been derived from the Sanskrit word "Chetak" or "Chedak" which means slave.

Ho: this tribe is famous for their friendly and peace loving nature

Garo: This tribe has been acknowledged as one of the few matrilineal societies still existing in the whole world.

Kharia : In West Bengal , this tribe ,belonging to Proto- Austroloid family, has gained place of prominence.

Lohara: The culture and tradition of West Bengal is quite enriched by their dance, songs and festival festivities.

Magh: The society of this tribe of West Bengal is patriarchal and also got divided into classes like Ramratha, Maratha, Ragratha.

Mahli: This tribe has artistry in making exquisite items from bamboo.

Mal Pahariya: this tribe resides in Bankura, Bardhaman and Mushidabad.

Mru: Both women and female members participate in cultivation activities.

Munda: It has a got a large population living in West Bengal provinces.

Oraon: Human sacrifice still is being practiced by this tribe.

Paharia: Class division is absent in Paharia tribe of West Bengal