Except for the difference in their dialects and attire, Oleps of Athang Rookha in Wangdue Phodrang and Monpas of Jangbi in Trongsa are seen to have more commonalities. Their food habits and ways of lives are found almost similar according to some of the locals from the region who attended the first-ever Monpa festival at Jangbi recently.
Chokeyla, an Olep said the story of the marriage and interactions between the two regions, Athang Rookha and Jangbi, existed for about three generations now.
“Before we use to say, Ritey, Phumzur, Jangbi and as Rookha Oleps. Ever since the bypass known as Satrey Log Gi Ri that connects the two regions got destroyed, the regions got isolated scattering some here and there,” said Chokeyla, from Rookha under Athang Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang.
Chokeyla added that there is one old woman called Choden who was left in Rookha after the damage of the road that connected the two regions.
“Right now our Angay Choden is also here and her brother lives in Ritey. So this is how our generations evolved as Oleps and Monpas according to our elders,” he added.
Today, both tribes still depend mostly on the forest for food and their livelihood. They have preserved their culture and traditions for ages with support from the Tarayana Foundation. Including, Doyas in Samtse, Monpas and Oleps are also believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the country.
Passang
BBS, December 19, 2019
Anthropology of Bhutan 