The Bhatra are a scheduled tribe located in the eastern part of Jagdalpur Tehsil and in south-eastern part of Kondagon Tehsil of Bastar District. They are divided into three groups: Amnit Bhatra or Bade Bhatra, Sargimundi or Majhi Bhatra, and Batamunid Masnimara or Rit or Shan Bhatra. The word 'bhatra' means 'servant.' According to legend, the Bhatra migrated from Warangal in Madya Pradesh.

The Bhatra believe that death occurs due to a malevolent act of evil spirits. Traditionally, they are hunters, gatherers, and cultivators. At present hunting is an occasional activity, but the collection of forest products still plays a very important role in their economic life.

The Bhatra depend great a deal upon supernatural powers, and the religious practices that give rise to mask usage feature a combination of animism, ancestor worship, and Hinduism. They worship their ancestors and each family has its own deity: its Gati Deo. Danteswari Ma the official deity or the group and is worshipped as a protecting goddess. They also worship the sun, moon, fields, mountains, jungles, etc. And the worship Dokri Dev, Bhalrav Dev, Bhima, and others.