About Karenni
The Karenni are the peoples of Karenni State in eastern Myanmar — a highland region home to many related ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions. Decades of conflict have carried many Karenni families to Thailand and further abroad, where the languages are still spoken at home. This site exists so Kayah Li, the language of the largest group, keeps being written, heard and passed on.
Karenni State
Boundaries: MIMU · Country outlines: Natural Earth
Karenni State — officially Kayah State — is the smallest state in Myanmar. It sits between Shan State to the north, Kayin State to the south and west, and Thailand's Mae Hong Son province to the east.
- Capital
- Loikaw
- Area
- about 11,700 km²
- Townships
- Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, Shadaw, Bawlakhe, Hpasawng, Mese
- Languages
- Kayah Li, Kayan, Kayaw and other Karenic languages; Burmese
The Karenni people
We understand and acknowledge that Karenni is made up of many ethnic groups. Each group has its own language, traditional clothing, culture and customs. Together, they form the wider Karenni identity.
This list includes many commonly recognised Karenni ethnic groups, but it may not include every community. We respect and value every group equally. If your ethnic group is missing, please let us know so we can include it.
- Kayah
- Kayan
- Kayaw
- Zayein
- Gekho
- Geba
- Manumanaw
- Yintale
- Yinbaw
- …and more
Towns of Karenni
Boundaries: MIMU · Country outlines: Natural Earth
Karenni food
ꤎꤤ꤬ꤊꤢ꤭Dee KuSticky rice wrapped in leaves and steamed; the dish of the Dee Ku festival.- ꤊꤢ꤬ꤛꤢ꤭ ꤞꤢ꤬Kayah sausagePork sausage seasoned with local herbs and rice, often grilled.
- ꤊꤟꤢ꤭ ꤗꤢ꤭Millet rice wineHome-brewed wine shared at festivals and gatherings.
- ꤒꤟꤢ꤭ ꤢ꤭ꤟꤢ꤭Bamboo shoot curryFresh or fermented bamboo shoots cooked with chilli and greens.
The Karenni year
National days remembered, harvests shared, new years welcomed — at home and across the diaspora.
- 21 JuneKarenni National DayMarks the 1875 agreement recognising Karenni independence.ꤊꤢ꤬ꤛꤢ꤭ ꤒꤟꤢ꤭
- 11 AugustKarenni Resistance DayRemembers the start of the Karenni resistance in 1948.ꤊꤟꤢ꤭ ꤒꤟꤢ꤭
- April – MayDee Ku festivalSticky-rice packets wrapped in leaves, shared to celebrate the new year and harvest.ꤎꤤ꤬ꤊꤢ꤭
- AprilKay Htoe BoeKayan pole festival: a decorated pole is raised with prayers for rain and a good year.ꤊꤢ꤬ ꤗꤢ꤭ ꤘꤢ꤭
- 13 AprilKayan New YearNew-year celebration of the Kayan people, with music and dance.ꤊꤢ꤬ꤛꤢ꤬ ꤞꤢ꤬
- DecemberChristmasWidely celebrated by Karenni Christian communities at home and abroad.ꤊꤢ꤬ꤚꤢ꤭ꤗꤢ꤬