Sacred groves are community-conserved forest patches that embody the close relationship between indigenous cultural traditions, spirituality, and biodiversity conservation. This study explores the socio-cultural practices associated with sacred groves among the tribal communities of Jhargram district, West Bengal, with particular reference to the Chilkigarh Sacred Grove. A qualitative ethnographic research design was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and documentary analysis. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the collected data.The findings reveal that sacred groves play a significant role in preserving tribal cultural identity, traditional ecological knowledge, and biodiversity. The Chilkigarh Sacred Grove contains approximately 308 species of angiosperms belonging to 91 families, including 105 medicinal plant species, highlighting its ecological importance. Religious beliefs, customary laws, and cultural taboos have traditionally regulated the use of natural resources and ensured long-term conservation. However, the study also identifies several emerging threats, including modernization, changing socio-economic conditions, declining traditional beliefs, and the absence of adequate legal protection.The study concludes that sacred groves represent an effective indigenous model of community-based conservation that integrates cultural values with environmental sustainability. Strengthening community participation, promoting environmental education, documenting indigenous knowledge, and developing supportive conservation policies are essential for safeguarding these culturally significant ecosystems. The findings contribute to the growing discourse on traditional ecological knowledge and provide practical insights for sustainable biodiversity conservation in tribal regions.