| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 3,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India (Arunachal Pradesh) | |
| Languages | |
| Bugun language | |
| Religion | |
| Donyi-Polo (sun and moon),Hinduism,Christianity |
TheBuguns (formerlyKhowa) are one of the earliest recognized schedule tribes of India,[1][2] majority of them, inhabiting the Singchung Sub-Division ofWest Kameng District ofArunachal Pradesh. Buguns live in several exogamous clans. Traditionally, the predominant occupation was agriculture, supported with other allied activities like fishing and hunting, cattle rearing etc. Buguns have their own folklores, songs, dances, music and rituals. A rare bird, theBugun liocichla, was named after the tribe.
They live mainly in thesubtropical Singchung Administrative Sub-Division ofWest Kameng district with its, almost whole, native population under6-Thrizino-Buragaon ST Assembly Constituency of the state ofArunachal Pradesh.[3]
TheBugun language, one two of the Bugunish/Kamenic language underKho-Bwa languages is considered endangered byUNESCO, with only around 10,000 speakers mainly concentrated in theKameng district ofArunachal Pradesh, India.[4]
The Buguns are traditionally followers of theanimistic religion[5] However, the early 20th century witnessed the gradual penetration of some dominant religions like Buddhism (Mahayana), particularly from the neighbouring ethnic groupSherdukpen, andHinduism. Some have come underTibetan Buddhist influence. Profound Buddhist influence has led to the adoption of many Buddhist rituals and the invitation of Buddhist lamas to participate in their communal rituals.[2] As a result, many Buguns declared themselves as Buddhist in censuses.[6]
Pham Kho Sowai is the harvesting festival of the Buguns. It is now celebrated on a fixed date, starting on 10 September.[7]
| Mizoram |  Naga woman | |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | ||
| Meghalaya | ||
| Arunachal Pradesh | ||
| Manipur | ||
| Tripura | ||
| Assam | ||
| Sikkim | ||
| Kuki tribes including: | ||
| Naga tribes including: | ||