With great enthusiasm, the annual Mamani (Traditional Food) festival was celebrated on January 28 in Wakha.

The festival was organised by Himalayan Heritage and Cultural Foundation (HHCF) in collaboration with Youth Educational and Sports Welfare Society Wakha.

People of Wakha and adjoining villages put up stalls of traditional dishes.

Feroz Ahmed Khan, Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil said that festivals are a significant way to celebrate the glorious heritage, culture and traditions of an area. It plays an important role to connect people with their heritage and ancestral legacy and need to be observed with enthusiasm and fervor.

Appreciating the organisers for holding the food festival, he said that the event will play an instrumental role in helping people to relate to their roots. It also serves the purpose of bringing happiness and strengthening the community.

Festivals like these were started by our ancestors to pass the legends, knowledge and tradition with the generation, he added.

He further added that the Hill Council is fully committed to boost activities related to the preservation and promotion of culture and traditions in the district. Also, efforts are being made to ensure cultural development.

Feroz Khan informed about the construction of first ever museum in the district at a cost of ₹ 6 crore and allotment of 3 kanal land for the same at Kurbathang area.

Prizes were distributed among the winners and consolation prizes among the prize winners. He also announced ₹ 10, 000 each for the Youth Educational and Sports Welfare Society Wakha and stall owners who participated in the food festival was announced. 

Councillor Shargole also announced ₹ 10,000 in favor of the organisers of the event.

Feroz Khan also felicitated famous Muhammad Hussain Silmoo, Folk Singer,  Khadim Hussain Poyen, Registering Officer, Antiquities Ladakh,  Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, Writer and poet,  Muhammad Amin Polo, Social and Cultural Activist and others for their services in the field of culture and literature.

Meanwhile, the locals demanded the construction of an ice hockey rink, up gradation of the existing Health Centre and Government High school Wakha, grant of financial assistance and other related demands.