The Buguns or Khowa, are one of the earliest recognized schedule tribe (Earlier known as Khowa) of India, inhabiting Singchung Sub-Division of West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. Their total Population as on 2014 are approximately 2000. The notable features of Buguns are reflected in their simple life and warm hospitality. Buguns are composed into several exogamous clans. Traditionally, the predominant occupation is 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, the Bugun liocichla, was named after the tribe.
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Language
The Bugun language, one of the Bugunish/Kamenic language under Kho-Bwa languages is listed as an endangered languages of India.
Religion
Religion of Buguns are traditionally animism. But early 20th century witnessed the gradual penetration of some dominant religions like Buddhism (Mahayana) and Hinduism. Recently, a good number of Buguns are converted to Christianity. But still large portion of Bugun (Khowa) population are following their tradition way of animistic rituals and priesthood.
Festival
Pham-Kho (a harvesting festival) is a popular festival of the Bugun people which is now celebrated on 10 September every year. Pham-Kho literally means "mountain" (pham) and "river" or "water" (kho), which are considered vital component required for human survival. The benevolent gods manifest in the form of the mountain and river, giving life to the people. Therefore, the Pham-Kho festival is a harvesting festival celebrated by Bugun (Khowa) community of Arunachal Pradesh. Other Important festival of Buguns are Kshyat-Sowai and Dihing-Kho.
Government
Traditionally, Buguns have their own socio-politico-admimistrative decision making system to regulate their society. The traditional village council of the Bugun (Khowa) is known as Nimiyang (Council of Elders), which looks after every aspect of village life, may it be decision-making, utilization of local resources, conflict resolution or regulating the society. Each family is represented in the Nimiang sessions by its head male member. The traditional village council of buguns are headed by Thap-Bahow (Chief). The Thap-Bakhow is an accepted leader and selected unanimously and not hereditary. There is no strict criterion for selection of the Thap-Bakhow, but a person with economic affluence, social stature, knowledge of customary laws, sound mentality, physical strength and generosity are taken into consideration. He presides over the meetings and sittings of the Nimiyang session. It is customary that only male member possessing above qualities can become Thap-Bakhow. Womenfolk is just a passive spectator and witnesses the proceedings of the Nimiyang sessions only. However, a female member is allowed to represent if its male member is absent.
Migration
Migration of Buguns to its present location are unknown. However, their mythology reveals that they have probably migrated from Tibet via East Kameng (Cheyang Tajo) along with Puroiks.(Buguns are subdivided into sections according to their specific locality known by different names:-Hakhongdua, Hajidua, Braidua, Khuchundua, Hayindua).
Bugun Villages
Some of the Bugun Villages are:-
Buguns relation with neighbouring tribes
Buguns maintained good relations with their neighbouring tribes since they are surrounded by tribes like Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Monpa (Especially, Bhut Monpa/Sartang)and Mijis.
Active organisations working for the community
Besides these, we will find many other NGOs working actively in some specific areas within Bugun territory like:- BWS- Bugun Welfare Society, Mt. Siphang Society etc.
Music Albums
1. Oye (Audio).
2. Guiteh Bugundua (Audio).