Mahua flowers are rich in total sugars, out of which reducing sugar present in high amount. The flowers are also fermented to produce the alcoholic drink "mahua", a country liquor. Tribals of Surguja and Bastar in Chhattisgarh and peoples of Western Orissa, Santhals of Santhal Paraganas (Jharkhand), Koya tribals of North-East Andhra Pradesh (vippa saara: విప్ప సారా), Bhil tribal in western Madhya Pradesh and tribals of North Maharashtra consider the tree and the "mahua" drink as part of their cultural heritage. "Mahua" is an essential drink for tribal men and women during celebrations.