In Ladakh, the annual Ethnic Mamani Festival was organised at Historical Styangkung Village and Chiktan Shagaran by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and Ladakh Tourism Department.
The Steyangkung village is around 500 years old and still well-preserved and is being developed as one of the well-maintained heritage villages in Ladakh.
The history of the celebration of the Mamani Festival in Ladakh goes back to the ancient tradition of giving food to departed family members. During Mamani, people would exchange food with their relatives and neighbours and worship a variety of spirits (Lha).
These festivals have helped in the revival of more than 35 cuisines of Kargil Ladakh.