Events like the Ethnic Mamani Food Festival are crucial for sustaining the identity of villages: Dr. Sonam Wangchok
During the Ethnic Mamani Food Festival 2025, the picturesque village of Hunderman Brok, which is close to the Line of Control (LoC), came alive with culture and colour. The festival honoured Ladakh’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. The festival was put together by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) in collaboration with the Village Development Committee, Hunderman Brok.
Offering a window into the traditions of the region, the event, which was sponsored by Heritage Himalaya Magazine and Mutazir Enterprises Changra Kargil, attracted residents, visitors, cultural enthusiasts and school children. In addition to exhibits of rare mountain herbs and artefacts, the festival included nine ethnic food stalls with more than thirty types of traditional cuisine prepared by the villagers.
Col B.S. Sandhu, Deputy Commandant of the 121 Infantry Brigade, attended as the Chief Guest, while Col Amal Sali graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Other notable attendees included Dr. Sonam Wangchok, founder of HCHF, Anayat Ali Shotopa, convener of the festival, and historian Mohd Sadiq Hardassi.
Col. Sandhu praised the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation for safeguarding Ladakh’s cultural heritage and fostering an admiration of traditional cuisine among youth and children. He asserted that cooking traditional cuisine at home is crucial for teaching kids to respect and understand the values.
Dr. Sonam Wangchok urged the community to sustain these traditions and emphasised the significance of these events in preserving the identity of remote villages like Hunderman Brok. “For the past six years, HCHF has been hosting the Ethnic Mamani Festival in several Kargil villages, and we are pleased to announce the revival of varieties of traditional Ladakhi cuisines. Our ancestors have gifted us with the rich cultural heritage, and it is our generation’s duty to pass it on to the future generations,” Dr. Wangchok added.
Speaking to the gatherings, Mohd Sadiq Hardasi highlighted the rich cultural legacy, particularly the Balti language, traditions, and culture. He talked about the traditional foods’ nutritious and medicinal values.
Prizes were awarded to the top three food stalls, and all participants received consolation cash prizes. The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation also honoured Sajjad Hussain (BOB), founder of Team Stringmo, for his contributions to social services, education, and volunteerism in Ladakh.
The festival, which marks the end of Ladakh’s harsh winter month of Mamani, reflects the spirit of community and cultural pride. With enthusiastic participation, the event successfully showcased the unique traditions and culinary heritage of Ladakh, leaving visitors and locals inspired by the region’s vibrant culture.
The activities of HCHF are community-based management of cultural and natural resources, folk traditions, art and craft skills promotion and revival, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage. In order to encourage community involvement and cultural preservation, HCHF place a strong emphasis on awareness programmes and training workshops.