Tourism Dept. celebrates ethnic food festival ‘Mamani’ with cultural fervor in Chiktan

Kargil: Tourism Department Kargil, Ladakh today celebrated the ethnic food festival ‘Mamani’ at Chiktan Shagaran where Executive Councilor, RDD, Tourism and Zanskar Affairs, LAHDC, Kargil, Er. Punchok Tashi was the chief guest.

Executive Councilor Health, Mohsin Ali was the guest of honour, Assistant Director, Tourism, Aga Syed Toha, BDC Chairperson Shakar Chiktan, Syeda Banoo, Incharge SDM, Shakar Chiktan, Ghulam Rasool, officers of Civil and Police, District and Sub Divisional Officers, Officials of Tourism Department, Sarpanches, Panches, cultural artists, large number of cultural enthusiasts and people from Chiktan area were present on the occasion.

In his address, EC Tashi said the traditional festivals like ‘Mamani’ help in promotion of the age-old ethos of communal harmony and brotherhood and are an ideal occasion to showcase and preserve culture, heritage, civilization and traditions of Ladakh.

He said traditional foods should be given preference and it is the need of an hour. He said these foods have high nutrition value and are preferred in view of the local weather conditions.

Tashi said LAHDC Kargil has prioritized the cultural programs and Mamani festival will be celebrated at a large scale in the future. He said the target is to take the food festival to the national level to boost the tourism sector and economy of Kargil district.

While highlighting the importance of traditional festivals in promotion of tourism and culture, he said the food festival help the district to make it a tourist attraction and promote winter tourism.

While speaking at the event, EC Mohsin appreciated the efforts of the Tourism Department for promotion of tourism in the area and stressed for further such activities.

He said said the celebration of such a cultural festival will take the local culture and food to every nook and corner of the country and will promote tourism and culture.

Mohsin said the DPR of Chiktan Palace is in its final stage adding that once it is completed it will also boost the tourism in the area. He said there is no dearth of talent among people in Shakar Chiktan and they just need the platform.

EC Tashi and EC Mohsin also inspected and appreciated the various ethnic food and artifacts stalls which were set up by people from various villages of Shakar Chiktan Block like Khangral, Samrah, Chiktan, Hagnis, Shakar, Sanjak, Yukmakharboo etc.

On the occasion, BDC Chairperson Shakar Chiktan, Syeda Banoo, thanked the Tourism Department for organizing this year’s Mamani food festival in Chiktan on rotation basis. On her request, the Tourism Department also included Ice Hockey in the festival.

The BDC said Shakar Chiktan is a hub of local culture. She also presented a memorandum of demands in front of EC Tashi and requested him to take up the same with higher ups.

She demanded to restart the Ladakh Winter Carnival, which was discontinued due to Covid-19 pandemic situation adding that it would boost tourism and generate employment.

The BDC said it is important facilitate tourists, who usually face various difficulties while moving towards Kargil from Leh. She also requested to take up the issue with concerned authorities.

She also requested for construction of an Auditorium Hall in the area on priority basis. The BDC also requested for shelter and other basic facilities for tourists at Nindum peak.

In his address, AD Tourism, Aga Syed Toha said that the department is committed to promote tourism and make Kargil all-weather tourist destination. He said along with the unique landscapes of Ladakh, tourists also have interest to have a glimpse of local tradition, culture and food.

Explaining the high potential of Chiktan belt in attracting tourists around the world, AD Tourism said this festival will send out a positive message to rest of the world.

Artisans, local exhibitors, players and cultural artists across the district participated and performed in the event. Ladakhi folk dance, Shina songs and dance was presented by the artists that enthralled the audience.

Besides cultural activities variety of ethnic foods were displayed. Ice Hockey exhibition match was also organized as part of the festival. The AD Tourism also presented vote of thanks.