Rakhine people

Rakhine people

Arakanese (Rakhine)
Flag of the Rakhine State
A Rakhine girl tosses water at revellers during the Thingyan.
Total population
4 million (2024 est.)
Regions with significant populations
Myanmar	3,100,00 (2014)[1]
Bangladesh	224,261[2]
India	50,000
Other countries	50,000 - 100,000
Languages
Rakhine, Burmese
Religion
Theravada Buddhism (Official)
Related ethnic groups
Bamar Chakma Marma Maramagyi or Baruas

The Rakhine people (Burmese and Rakhine : ရခိုင်လူမျိုး) or Arakanese are a Southeast Asian ethnic group in Myanmar (Burma) forming the majority along the coastal region of present-day Rakhine State (formerly called Arakan), although Rakhine communities also exist throughout the country, particularly in the Ayeyarwady and Yangon Regions. They constitute approximately 4.61% or more of Myanmar's total population. Rakhine communities exist in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts and in India, where they are known as the Marma and Magh peoples respectively.

Rakhine people consist of seven different ethnic groups, namely Rakhine, Kamein, Kwe Myi, Daingnet people, Maramagyi, Mru people and Thet.  Among them, Rakhine group are the majority ethnic group in Rakhine State and have long been influenced by their proximity to India and have formed trading links with the sub-continents. Thet, Kamein, Daingnet and Marma people are the minority ethnic groups and they live in the hills.

The Arakanese are predominantly Theravada Buddhist.  Their language has some similarities with Burmese language and also very similar to Burma in culture and traditional dress. They have developed their own kingdoms, dynasties, scripts, coins, costumes, culture, and dialects, showcasing a rich and distinct heritage. They also have their own ethnic armed group in Myanmar's Rakhine State known as the Arakan Army.

The Rakhine people have a variety of appearances, showing a mix of traits from both South Asian and Mongoloid backgrounds. They have range of skin tones, typically ranging from light to medium brown.

The Rakhine people celebrate several key festivals. Sangrain, or the Water Festival, marks the New Year with joyful water-throwing to wash away the old year. Buddha Purnima honors the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, featuring prayers and offerings at monasteries. Madhu Purnima in which they celebrate the Buddha’s first sermon, where followers offer respect and alms to monks. These festivals strengthen community ties and showcase of the culture.

Rakhine men mostly wear a sarong called lungyi, while the women also wear a sarong called thabein.