Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attended the Ethnic Mamani Food Festival as Chief Guest on January 24. The festival was organised by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Tribal Research Institute, University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus.

The festival featured a wide array of traditional food items prepared from locally sourced ingredients and showcased through multiple stalls, reflecting the rich ethnic food heritage of the region. The CEC appreciated the efforts of the participants and encouraged them to further expand the scope of the festival. He lauded their dedication and contributions towards preserving and promoting Ladakh’s diverse traditional food culture.

Dr. Jaffer Ali welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the cultural significance of the Ethnic Mamani Food Festival of the Purig tribal community. He also outlined the objectives, developmental initiatives, and vision of the Tribal Research Institute, University of Ladakh, aimed at preserving and promoting Ladakh’s tribal culture and traditions.

Dr. Akhoon specially appreciated Anayat Ali Shotopa for initiating and consistently promoting such cultural food festivals. He expressed gratitude to the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation and extended special thanks to Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, for his significant contribution towards strengthening education and research in Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering, the CEC traced the historical evolution of traditional food practices and stressed the importance of staying connected to local culture, language, and heritage. He stated that such initiatives provide an important platform to revive and preserve cultural identity, traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Dr. Akhoon also drew attention to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues, attributing them largely to changing food habits. He observed that earlier generations suffered fewer medical complications due to traditional diets, active lifestyles, and the medicinal value of indigenous foods, whereas modern diets are increasingly affected by chemical additives. He emphasised the need to promote the Mamani Food Festival on a larger, collective scale and to restore the relevance of traditional food practices in daily life.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho appreciated Anayat Ali Shotopa for his sustained efforts in preserving and promoting cultural and food festivals. He highlighted the health benefits of local food and said such events encourage awareness, interaction, and renewed interest in traditional dietary practices. He also commended the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Tribal Research Institute, University of Ladakh, under the leadership of Dr. Jaffer Ali.

Brigadier 121, Ashish Joshi emphasised the importance of festivals that honour ancestors and respect elders, stating that such cultures remain resilient and alive. He expressed concern over deteriorating food habits among the younger generation and said initiatives like the Mamani Food Festival help sustain healthy traditional food practices.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Kargil, Kacho Ishtiyaq appreciated Anayat Ali Shotopa and highlighted the cultural significance of the Mamani festival. Drawing parallels with festivals such as Lohri, celebrated during the same period in Jammu, he suggested that there is scope for research to identify cultural commonalities.

Anayat Ali Shotopa, while welcoming the dignitaries, thanked all participants and stall presenters and requested the CEC to include the Mamani Food Festival in the official tourism festival calendar. He also acknowledged the contributions of former Chief Executive Councillor Kacho Ahmed Khan in promoting local food festivals.

Mohd Ali Waziri highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Mamani Food Festival, elaborating on individual traditional food items, their health benefits, and the regions where the festival is observed. Students from the Department of Anthropology, University of Ladakh, also presented insights into the cultural importance of the festival.

The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Brigadier 121 Ashish Joshi, Additional Superintendent of Police Kargil Kacho Ishtiyaq, Dy Commander Hari Chandra, Joint Director/Chief Controller of Finance Iftikhar Hussain, Dr. Mehboob Ali (In-charge Administrator, University of Ladakh), Dr. Jaffer Ali, DySP Syed Riyaz, along with scholars, officials, participants, and other dignitaries.