The Hill-Kharia or Pahari Kharia are an indigenous highland tribal population predominantly found in Similipal forest of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, having a population of 2874, following the lifestyle of foragers based on the hunting and gathering. Their language Kharia comes under the family of Munda languages. Hill-Kharia are rich in thought and beliefs having associated traditions to the worship of Thakurani, the Earth Goddess, and Dharam Devata, the Sun God. They are a community centering on festivals, music, and group dance.

As their mode of livelihood is foraging, the Hill-Kharia largely depend on Similipal forest. They are well trained in collection honey, resin, arrowroot, wax, tussar cocoons, gum, and lac by following sensitive procedures. All these minor forest products are used for home consumption and sell them locally for their resource generation. Apart from this, there are little lands for agriculture tending, food gathering, animal husbandry, and fishing, all of which accentuate his connection to the forest and nature.

The Hill-Kharia reverence mainly goes to Thakurani, the Earth Goddess, and Dharam Devata, the Sun God. The concept of Thakurani is that of a guardian for the lands, while Dharam Devata reflects the life perspective of the sun. Both deities are highly significant to Hill-Kharia culture, where rituals and offerings are made to them for achieving harmony with nature and a prosperous life.Festivals and ceremonies honoring the deities reflect the tribe's appreciation for nature and the spirits that protect it.

Changu dance is a traditional, group dance performed by the Hill-Kharia tribe during various festivals and rituals. This dance, whose name has been conferred after the drum known as "Changu," is mainly holy to the tribe since it is believed to have been performed to honor Badam, the deity of Similipal. Men play the Changu drum, leading the rhythmic beats accompanying the dance, during which the women and girls join in graceful motion. Changu dance brings the community together in spirit to celebrate festive occasions, marriages, and harvest. It epitomizes the deep cultural connection of the Hill-Kharia people to something infinitely greater than music and nature - it appeals to their spiritual heritage.

Honey collection is an important economic activity for the Hill-Kharia, people of Similipal, Odisha. These experts in foraging have developed special climbing skills to reach the height of trees and harvest honey from wild beehives, use smoke to pacify the bees, and harvest honey. Then, honey will be put in the market as an element of nourishment, or it will be sold in local markets. This activity is a picture of dexterity and bravery, as it is performed in close association with the forest. Collecting honey shows that the traditional wisdom on natural resources and sustainable forests is tremendous.