Kargil, January 20: As the region gradually moves towards the end of its harsh winter season, the traditional Mamani festival is being observed with religious devotion and cultural enthusiasm across most parts of Kargil district.

With the local winter period (Mamani) entering its final phase, residents marked the occasion on Sunday by holding Mamani rituals in various areas of the district. As part of the observance, people visited graveyards to offer Fatiha for their departed relatives. This was followed by the preparation of traditional food at home, which was later brought to central village locations and shared among relatives, neighbours and the needy.

Special religious gatherings were also organised at mosques and imambaras, where verses from the Holy Quran were recited and collective prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and well-being of the village, district and the country.

During the main celebrations, villagers assembled at designated spots to partake in traditional Ladakhi cuisine. The festival was celebrated in areas such as Zang Chiktan and Tumbas Konur, while Mamani is being observed in Baroo, Sankoo. Although the tradition was not widely prevalent in several parts of Sankoo subdivision in the past, it has gradually begun to gain acceptance and popularity in some areas.
Mamani is considered an ancient cultural tradition of Ladakh, which historians trace back to the pre-Islamic Bon period. Over time, following the advent of Islam in the region, the festival was retained by giving it a religious character. The Mamani period extends from December 21 to January 21 and is traditionally celebrated in the third week of January to mark the approaching end of severe winter conditions.

The festival is seen as a symbol of Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage, social harmony and collective spirit.