Khengpas or the Kheng-kha speakers are the people of Zhemgang, Dagana and some parts of Monggar. Many directly relate it to these regions when they come across people speaking Khengpas. However, the existence of Khengpas in Trashigang is not known to most of the people.
A village, Dali-Fam, under Yangneer Geog in Trashigang has Khengpas settled since time immemorial. Except for the Geog’s people, not many know that the village is inhabited by Khengpas.
Some elderly people say their ancestors came from Kheng Raday in Zhemgang. They were told that they came to the village leaving behind their villages to get rid of a disease called chicken pox.
The village in the past is considered as a very remote area. Khengpas say they have faced a lot of hardships. But today, they have a farm road, electricity and drinking water.
Likewise, Aum Choden says life has become more comfortable and easy with the coming up of electrical appliances like rice cooker and curry cookers.
Maize and potato are their main staple crops grown in the village. Besides this, they also tend to domestic animals for their livelihood.
The only concern Khengpas have is the fading away of their traditions.
Most of the houses at Dali-Fam have CGI sheets on their roof tops.
