Kheng
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kheng or Khen are an ethnic group of Bhutan, found primarily in the Zhemgang and Mongar districts of south central Bhutan. They speak Khengkha, a member of the extended Tibetan language family; the closest related language appears to be Bumthangkha to the north. By all accounts the Kheng are more closely related to the people of central Bhutan than they are to their neighbors in southern Bhutan, who are primarily Sharchops. The Kheng still retain special trade relations with the Bumthangpo, including providing winter pasture rights for Bumthang yaks. SIL estimates there are 40,000 Khengkha speakers.
Kheng also refers to the ancient small kingdoms in this area which were autonomous fiefdoms prior to the unification of Bhutan in the 17th century.
Like most of Bhutan, the Kheng are devoted followers of Tibetan Buddhism and their cultural practices typically mirror that of the predominant culture of the country (cf. Ngalop). A few distinct traits set the Kheng apart, for instance their distinctive practice of serving raw meat with their drinks on special occasions, a practice which is at odds with the typical norms of Tibetan Buddhism which frown on the killing of animals for food.
