Kargil, Jan 21: The serene village of Hunderman Brok, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kargil district of Ladakh, transformed into a vibrant cultural hub as it hosted the Traditional Ethnic Mamani Food Festival on Tuesday.
Organised by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) in collaboration with the Village Development Committee Hunderman Brok, the festival celebrated Ladakh’s rich cultural and culinary legacy.
It was organised by Heritage Himalaya Magazine and Mutazir Enterprises Changra Kargil, the event attracted locals, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience into Ladakh’s traditions. The festival featured nine ethnic food stalls, showcasing over 30 varieties of traditional dishes crafted by the villagers, along with displays of rare mountain herbs and artifacts.
Col B.S. Sandhu, Deputy Commandant of the 121 Infantry Brigade, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Col Amal Sali attended as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, founder of HCHF, Anayat Ali Shotopa, festival convener, and historian-author Mohd Sadiq.
In his address, Col Sandhu praised the organisers for their efforts in preserving Ladakh’s cultural heritage and fostering community unity. Present on the occasion, Dr. Sonam Wangchuk emphasized the significance of such festivals in sustaining the identity of remote villages like Hunderman Brok and encouraged continued community participation in preserving these traditions.
Villagers expressed gratitude to the Army for its unwavering support and to Lieutenant Governor Brig (Dr.) BD Mishra for approving a Solar Lift Irrigation Plant, which promises to resolve the village’s long-standing water challenges.
The event culminated with prizes awarded to the top three food stalls, while all participants received consolation awards. The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation also honoured Sajjad Hussain (BOB), founder of Team Stringmo, for his remarkable contributions to social services, education, and volunteerism in Ladakh. Marking the end of Ladakh’s harsh winter month of Mamani, the festival showcased the UT’s unique culinary and cultural heritage, leaving visitors and locals inspired by the enduring spirit of community and cultural pride.
