The connection between the Paraja tribe and their natural resources for livelihood is intricate, tracing from ancient times to the present and future. The Paraja are traditionally agriculturalists, particularly dependent on non-Timber Forest products (NTFPs) and minor forest products (MFPs) to supplement their livelihoods. Natural resources are crucial to the lives of the Parajas, particularly the land and forest. Over time, they have learned to coexist with nature, making their livelihoods primarily dependent on natural resources. However, as family sizes have increased while the availability of agricultural land remains unchanged, they have increasingly turned to daily wage labour to support their livelihoods. This paper explores the socio-cultural aspects of the paraja nature-based livelihood. The empirical study depends on primary data and was conducted through fieldwork in Jhalaguda village, located in the Laxmipur block of Koraput district of Odisha state. The research methods included observation, structured schedules, and interviews, with purposive sampling and snowball sampling employed to gather field data. The paper also examines agriculture as an integral part of paraja culture and the cyclical relationship among natural resources, knowledge, and culture. Findings: Many locals are migrating to towns and cities in search of employment, although opportunities are not always available due to a lack of skills and educational qualifications.