Kokborok Day 2026: Tripuri Language Day – History, Significance, Celebrations

Kokborok Day, also called Tripuri Language Day, is observed every year on January 19 in Tripura. The day celebrates the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kokborok language, spoken by the Tripuri community. It marks the historic recognition of Kokborok as an official language of Tripura and highlights ongoing efforts to preserve and promote indigenous languages.

Why in News?

Kokborok Day 2026 will be observed on 19 January 2026. This year marks the 48th anniversary of Kokborok’s recognition as an official language of Tripura.

What Is Kokborok Language?

• Kokborok, also known as Tripuri or Tiprakok, is the native language of the Tripuri people of Tripura.
• It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and is spoken mainly in Tripura and the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.
• Kokborok is one of the fastest-developing indigenous languages in Northeast India.
• Speakers of Kokborok identify themselves as Tripuris, and the language forms the core of their cultural identity.

History of Kokborok Day

• Kokborok Day commemorates the year 1979, when the Tripura government officially recognized Kokborok as a state language, alongside Bengali and English.
• Historically, Kokborok was widely spoken during the rule of the Tripuri kings in the ancient Kingdom of Tipra.
• Although the language has existed for thousands of years, official recognition came after sustained cultural and political movements aimed at preserving tribal identity and linguistic rights.

Significance of Kokborok Day

• Kokborok Day symbolises the struggle for tribal self-expression and cultural recognition.
• Ancient records mention that Kokborok once used the Koloma script, which is now being revived.
• Due to socio political debates, the script has not been standardised, and the Latin script is commonly used today.
• The day reinforces the importance of protecting indigenous languages, which are vital for preserving history, traditions and community knowledge.

How Kokborok Day Is Celebrated

• Kokborok Day is celebrated with cultural programmes, seminars, literary events and language awareness campaigns across Tripura.
• Government and non-government organizations work under initiatives like the “Kokborok tei Hukumu Mission” to promote Kokborok literature, music, films and education.
• The language is now taught in schools, colleges and universities, and towns like Khumulwng host libraries with thousands of Kokborok books.

Important Facts About Kokborok Language

• Kokborok was earlier known as Tipra, with the name Kokborok becoming popular after the 20th century.
• The language is mainly spoken by clans such as Debbarma, Reang, Jamatia, Tripura, Noatia, Rupini, Murasing and Uchoi.
• Radhamohan Thakur was the first to write Kokborok grammar, titled Kokborokma, published in 1900.

Why Kokborok Day Matters Today

• In an era of rapid globalization, many indigenous languages face extinction.
• Kokborok Day highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural preservation.
• Promoting Kokborok strengthens tribal identity, improves access to education in mother tongues and supports inclusive development.
• It also aligns with broader efforts to protect India’s intangible cultural heritage.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q1. Kokborok language belongs to which language family?
A. Indo-Aryan
B. Dravidian
C. Tibeto-Burman
D. Austroasiatic