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- The Reang community, also known as the Bru, is asking Tripura to declare a holiday for Hojagiri Day, a day dedicated to celebrating their traditional dance, the Hojagiri dance.
- A Bit About the Reang Tribe:
- The Reang tribe, or "Bru" as they call themselves, is the second-largest indigenous group in Tripura, right after the Tripuri clan. They are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the region. While many of them reside in Tripura, you can also find Reangs in Mizoram and parts of Assam. The 2011 Census of India estimates their population to be around 188,080.
- It is believed that the Reangs migrated from Shan State in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) in waves. Their journey took them first to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and then to southern Tripura. In the 18th century, another group of Reangs made their way into Tripura through Assam and Mizoram.
- Ethnically, the Reang people belong to the Indo-Mongoloid group and speak "Kaubru," a language that shares similarities with Kuki and includes tonal elements. Kaubru is a variation of the Kok-Borok dialect, which is part of the Tibeto-Burmese language family.
- The community is divided mainly into two clans: Meska and Molsoi. The Reangs are known for their tight-knit society and have a well-structured self-governing system.
- Economy:
- Traditionally, the Reang tribe has survived through agriculture. In the past, they practiced "Huk" or Jhum cultivation, just like many other tribal communities in Tripura. Nowadays, they have started to use more modern farming methods.
- Religious Beliefs:
- Most Reangs in Tripura today follow Hinduism, and their gods and goddesses are quite similar to those in Hindu worship. They honor various deities such as Buraha, Bonirao, Songragma, Jampira, and Lampra.
- The Hojagiri dance from the Reang tribe is celebrated far and wide for its lively and distinctive performances.
- Health officials in Chikkamagaluru District are on heightened alert to prevent the spread of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, in the region.
- About Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD):
- Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also called Monkey Fever, is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by ticks, primarily found in southern India. The disease was first identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest in Karnataka, which is why it carries the name Kyasanur Forest Disease.
- The virus responsible for KFD is the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), which belongs to the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus. This virus is part of the tick-borne encephalitis complex.
- Transmission:
- KFD is transmitted mainly through the bite of infected ticks, with Haemaphysalis spinigera being the primary vector. A variety of small animals, including rodents, monkeys, and birds, contribute to the transmission cycle of the virus. Humans can become infected if they are bitten by an infected tick or come into contact with sick or recently deceased monkeys. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of KFD.
- The disease is most common during the epidemic season, which typically begins around October or November, peaks from January to April, and subsides by May or June.
- Symptoms:
- The symptoms of KFD include the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, neurological or hemorrhagic signs. Between 5 to 10% of those infected with KFD may die.
- Treatment:
- Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for KFD. Management of the disease focuses on supportive care, including maintaining fluid balance, providing oxygen, regulating blood pressure, and addressing secondary infections.
- Vaccine:
- A vaccine for KFD is available and is recommended for people living in areas where the disease is prevalent.