The Hos of
Bihar belong to the Dravidian race and are confined to the Singbhum region. They are comparatively insensitive to the world outside their community. They have a number of good qualities. They are firm and independent by nature. The Hos are physically and morally superior to the Mundas, Bhumij and Santhals. Their negative qualities are that they waste their stores of rice in making rice beer for their festivals, and sell their land for even very low prices. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood, but now many of them are finding jobs in the industrial sectors as well.
The Ho religion resembles that of the other tribes in Bihar. The village priest of the Hos is known as Deuri. He performs all religious rituals for the entire community. The Deuri is held in high esteem by the villagers and enjoys numerous privileges.
The spirit doctor of the Hos is known as the Deona and he is the one who deals with the malevolent spirits.
