Chakma (Arunachal) people

A community of Theravada Buddhists from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, whose vibrant culture and intricate weaving traditions persist in Arunachal Pradesh despite decades of statelessness.

An Indigenous Community in Northeast India

The steady, rhythmic clack of a handloom is one of the defining sounds of a Chakma village. From verandas and bamboo-stilt homes, this sound carries the story of a people, woven thread by thread into the vibrant patterns of their traditional garments. The Chakma community in Arunachal Pradesh, primarily concentrated in the state's eastern districts, maintains a cultural identity that is both resilient and distinct, shaped by a history of displacement and a deep devotion to Theravada Buddhism.

History & Context

The story of the Chakmas in Arunachal Pradesh begins in the 1960s. Between 1964 and 1969, several thousand Chakma and Hajong families fled their ancestral homes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of what was then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). They were displaced by the construction of the Kaptai Dam, which submerged vast swathes of their land, and also faced religious persecution. The Government of India granted them asylum and systematically resettled them in the sparsely populated areas of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which would later become Arunachal Pradesh.

They were settled primarily in areas that are now part of Changlang, Namsai, and Papum Pare districts. Despite being settled by the central government and living in the state for over half a century, their position remains precarious. They are not recognised as a Scheduled Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, a status that would grant them land ownership rights and other protections afforded to indigenous communities. This has resulted in a long-standing and complex statelessness issue, with generations born in India denied citizenship and basic rights, a situation that continues to be debated in legal and political forums.

What Makes It Distinctive

Beyond their political context, the Chakmas possess a rich cultural fabric. Their identity is anchored in three key pillars:

Theravada Buddhism: Unlike many animist or Christian communities in the region, the Chakmas are devout Theravada Buddhists. Every village has a temple, or 'kyong', which serves as the centre of spiritual and community life. They celebrate major Buddhist festivals like Buddha Purnima with deep reverence.
Textiles and Weaving: Chakma women are master weavers. Their traditional attire consists of the 'Phinon' (a wraparound skirt) and the 'Hadi' (a chest cloth), both adorned with intricate, brightly coloured geometric patterns. Each pattern has a name and a meaning, and the skill is passed down through generations.
Bizu Festival: This is their most important non-religious festival, marking the end of the Bengali calendar year and celebrating the harvest. It's a vibrant, three-day affair in April. The first day, 'Phool Bizu', involves offering flowers to water bodies as a tribute. The second, 'Mul Bizu', is for socialising and feasting. The final day, 'Gojyae Pojyae Din', is a day of rest and reflection.

Best Time to Visit

The most culturally immersive time to visit is during the Bizu festival in mid-April. The weather is generally pleasant, marking the transition from spring to summer.

October to March: This is the best period weather-wise. The post-monsoon months offer clear skies, lush greenery, and comfortable daytime temperatures, ideal for exploring the villages and surrounding nature.
May to September: These are the monsoon months. Heavy rainfall can make travel difficult, with risks of landslides and roadblocks. Travel during this period is not recommended.

How to Reach

The main Chakma settlements are in the Diyun, Miao, and Chowkham circles of Changlang and Namsai districts.

By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport (DIB) in Assam, which is well-connected to major Indian cities.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is New Tinsukia Junction (NTSK) in Assam.
By Road: From Dibrugarh airport or Tinsukia town, you must travel by road. Diyun, a major centre for the Chakma community, is approximately 140 km from Dibrugarh and takes around 4-5 hours by car. The route typically goes via Tinsukia, Margherita, and Jagun.

Permits & Entry

Visiting any part of Arunachal Pradesh requires special permits.

Indian Citizens: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for all Indian citizens who are not residents of Arunachal Pradesh. This can be obtained online through the official Arunachal Pradesh ILP portal or at government offices in cities like Guwahati, Shillong, and Delhi.
Foreign Nationals: A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required for foreigners. This must be arranged through an approved Indian tour operator and is typically issued for groups of two or more people.

Information on permit fees is not officially published or may change. Visitors are advised to confirm locally before travelling.

Nearby Attractions

Namdapha National Park: The gateway to this biodiversity hotspot is at Miao, close to several Chakma settlements. It's one of the few parks in the world to host four species of big cats.
Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), Namsai: Located in the neighbouring Namsai district, this spectacular Buddhist temple complex is a serene and impressive spiritual site.
Miao: This small town on the banks of the Noa-Dihing river serves as the administrative headquarters and entry point for Namdapha. It has a small museum worth visiting.
World War II Cemetery, Jairampur: A historic cemetery for soldiers (mostly Chinese) who died during the construction of the Stilwell Road.
Lake of No Return: Located on the border with Myanmar near Pangsau Pass, this lake is shrouded in local legends dating back to World War II.

Traveller Tips

Exercise extreme sensitivity when discussing the community's history and citizenship status. It is a deeply personal and difficult issue. Listen with empathy.
Carry sufficient cash. ATMs are unreliable or non-existent outside of the main towns like Namsai or Miao.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or religious ceremonies.
Support the local economy by purchasing handwoven textiles directly from the weavers. This provides a vital source of income.
Learn the basic greeting: "Jume Bhale" means hello or good day.
Mobile connectivity is weak and sporadic. Be prepared to be offline for extended periods.
Dress modestly, especially if you plan to visit a 'kyong' (monastery).
Hire a local guide from the Chakma community for an authentic and respectful experience.

Living Roots Expert Notes

From an expedition leader's perspective, visiting the Chakma areas in Arunachal provides a profound lesson in the complexities of identity and belonging in Northeast India. We time our visits to coincide with the dry season, between November and March, avoiding the Bizu festival in April unless we have a direct invitation from a family, as it's an intimate community event.

Our guests are consistently moved by the warmth and dignity of the people, especially in contrast to the hardships they face. The most impactful experiences come not from grand sights, but from quiet moments: sharing tea in a stilt home, watching a weaver work her loom, or listening to a village elder (with a local guide translating). We strongly advise against bringing up the citizenship issue directly; instead, we encourage asking questions about their culture, their weaving, and their Buddhist faith. If they choose to share their history, listen with respect and compassion.

A key ethical consideration is economic support. We facilitate direct purchases of textiles from the women's weaving cooperatives in the Diyun area. This ensures the money goes directly to the artisans and helps preserve a crucial part of their cultural heritage. This is not just a 'tribal visit'; it is a cultural exchange with a resilient community that has a powerful story to tell.

Frequently asked

Are the Chakma people a recognized tribe of Arunachal Pradesh?

No. Although they were settled by the Government of India in the 1960s, they are not constitutionally recognized as a Scheduled Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. This results in an ongoing and complex issue regarding their citizenship and rights.

What is the best way to interact respectfully with the Chakma community?

Approach with humility and a desire to learn. Hire local guides, support local artisans by buying their textiles directly, and always ask for permission before taking photos. Avoid treating their difficult political situation as a subject for casual debate.

What is the main festival of the Chakma people in Arunachal?

Their most important secular festival is Bizu, a three-day harvest celebration held in mid-April. It's a time of great joy, feasting, and cultural performances, making it a wonderful time to visit if invited.

Do I need a special permit to visit the Chakma villages?

You do not need a separate permit for the villages, but you absolutely need the standard permit for the state itself. Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), and foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh.

What kind of souvenirs can I buy from the Chakma community?

The best items to buy are their beautiful handwoven textiles. Look for the 'Phinon' (wraparound skirt) and 'Hadi' (chest cloth), along with smaller bags and scarves, all featuring their distinctive and colourful patterns.

What language do the Chakma people speak?

They speak Changma Bhaza, or Chakma language, which is an Indo-Aryan language related to Bengali and Assamese. It has its own unique script called 'Ojhopath'.

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