Kokborok Day 2024: On January 19th, Tripura, an Indian state, celebrates Kokborok Day, also referred to as Tripuri Language Day, with the aim of promoting the Kokborok language. This special day commemorates 1979, the year when Kokborok received official recognition for the first time.
The 46th anniversary of Kokborok Day this year highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve and revive this ancient language, spoken by the Tripuri community in Tripura for thousands of years.
Kokborok Day 2024
Kokborok Day holds special significance in Tripura, India, as a day dedicated to honoring and respecting the Kokborok language, which became the official language of Tripura in 1979. Also referred to as Tripuri, this language has been spoken for centuries among the Tripuri community.
The upcoming Happy Kokborok Day 2024 is set to be celebrated on Friday, 19th January 2024. This occasion, alternatively known as Tripuri Language Day, involves various events and activities organized by the Tripura government each year to pay tribute to Kokborok.
Other Important Days in January 2024
Kokborok Day 2024 Date
On January 19, 2024, we’ll be marking the 46th Kokborok Day celebration. Kokborok, also known as Tripuri or Tiprakok, is the official language of Tripura, India. Back in 1979, the Tripura state government officially recognized Kokborok, alongside Bengali and English. To honor this linguistic diversity, every year, we celebrate this day as Kokborok Language Day.
What is the Kokborok Language?
The primary language spoken in Tripura is Kokborok, also known as Tripuri, which has been used by the local Tripuri people for many generations. It’s a classical language in North East India, referred to as Kok by the people. Previously known as Tiprakok/Tripurikok, Kokborok is a Tibeto-Burman language.
In the state of Tripura and the neighboring CHT hill tracts of Bangladesh, Kokborok (Tripuri) holds significance as one of the main native languages.
Kokborok is experiencing rapid growth and development among the Tibeto-Burman languages in the region. The primary speakers are the Tripuri clans, including Debbarma, Kalai, Reang, Jamatia, Tripura, Noatia, Rupini, Murasing, and Uchoi. The community collectively identifies as “Tripuris,” and the language is an integral part of their cultural identity.
Facts about Kokborok Language
- Kokborok, a Tibeto-Burman language, is widely spoken in the northeastern region of India and the Chittagong hill tracts in Bangladesh.
- Formerly known as Tipra, its name was changed in the 20th century.
- The language is predominantly used by the Debbarma, Kalai, Reang, Jamatia, Tripura, Rupini, Uchoi, and Murasing communities.
- The Grammar of Kokborok, titled “kokborokma,” was authored by Radhamohan Thakur and was first published in 1900.
Kokborok Day 2024 History
Kokborok, initially named Tiprakok, serves as the official language of Tripura. It gained prominence as a widely spoken dialect during the reign of Tripuri kings in the Kingdom of Tipra from the 19th to the 20th century. Designated as the sole recognized language of Tripura, the state government officially declared Kokborok as its language in 1979. As a result, January 19 is celebrated annually as Kokborok Day since then.
Kokborok Day 2024 Significance
According to the historical records of the Tripura Kings, “Koloma” was identified as the script for Kokborok. Over a span of more than two millennia, 184 Tripura Kings held reign in Tripura. Efforts are underway to revive the Kokborok script.
However, the finalization process has been delayed due to various sociopolitical discussions. It’s worth noting that a significant number of individuals express a preference for writing Kokborok in the “Latin script.”
Kokborok Day Celebration
In the effort to promote the Kokborok language, the “Kokborok tei Hukumu Mission” involves various government and non-government organizations. They are dedicated to working on enhancing Kokborok in language, art, literature, films, and music.
A significant achievement for the people of Tripura is the inclusion of Kokborok in the curriculum of government schools, colleges, and universities. Ongoing efforts are being made to further develop and popularize the language.
As part of the initiative to boost Kokborok, public schools, colleges, and universities have introduced it into their educational programs since 2015. Khumulwng town has taken a step further by establishing a Kokborok book library, housing over 5000 titles related to the language and its various aspects.
It’s noteworthy that “Koloma” was identified as Kokborok’s script, with 184 Tripura Kings governing the region for over two thousand years. While the script’s revival is underway, the finalization is pending due to ongoing sociopolitical discussions. Interestingly, many individuals currently prefer writing Kokborok in the “Latin script.”
Kokborok Day 2024 Wishes
- On Kokborok Day 2024, may the beauty and richness of the Kokborok language fill your life with joy and inspiration!
- Wishing you a Kokborok Day filled with cultural vibrancy, linguistic pride, and a deep connection to Tripura’s heritage.
- May Kokborok Day 2024 bring you closer to the roots of our culture, fostering unity and celebrating the diversity that makes us unique.
- Happy Kokborok Day! May this day be a reminder of the strength and resilience embedded in our language and traditions.
- As we celebrate Kokborok Day, may the spirit of unity and cultural preservation thrive in our hearts and communities.
Also Read: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024, Date, History, and Significance
Kokborok Day 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is Kokborok Day?
Ans. Kokborok Day is an annual celebration in Tripura, India, dedicated to honoring and promoting the official language, Kokborok.
Q.2. When is Kokborok Day 2024 celebrated?
Ans. Kokborok Day 2024 is set to be celebrated on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Q.3. Why is Kokborok significant?
Ans. Kokborok holds cultural importance as the official language of Tripura, recognized in 1979, and is celebrated annually to foster language preservation and development.
Q.4. Who celebrates Kokborok Day?
Ans. Kokborok Day is celebrated by the Tripuri community in Tripura, India, and involves various events organized by the Tripura government.
Q.5. How is Kokborok promoted?
Ans. Efforts include integrating Kokborok into educational curricula, establishing a Kokborok book library, and engaging in language, art, literature, film, and music development.
