Ladakh Aryan valley – roots :

Ladakh is sub-divided in five regions. Central, nubra valley, Changthang, zanskar & lower ladakh. Aryan valley falls into lower ladakh region. Regions of lower ladakh, where the road of leh to aryan valley leading to villages of dah hanu and parkachik belongs to ladakh. Village of Garkone belongs to kargil district. 

If we trace back the history of ladakh, we will find many interesting things in it. Historians point out three human races namely, the Mongols, the Brokpas and the Mons who came into ladakh. The Mongolians came from tibet, the Brokpas came from the western part of Asia and Mons were believed to be from the kulu-manali side. They all have their status in the society but the Mons are treated as low caste.

As we are talking about the Brokpas, that is the ladakhi aryans, they’re fully different. They have their own tradition, culture and heritage. Though they’re officially buddhists, hey have not been fully integrated into the mainstream of ladakh’s buddhist society. They continue to follow to their ancestral belief and customs. These people are variously described as descendants of the wandering belief and customs. These people are variously described as descendants of the wandering troops of Alexander of macedonia, or the direct descendants of a pure Indo-Aryan tribe.

By their physical features, the Brokpas are different from the rest of the ladakhis. They’re tall, well built and fair complexioned, a few blond hair and blue eyes. Their traditional dress is also distinctive.

There are five Brokpa villages; some of the villages like, Hanu, Biama and Dah are under Leh district and rest two Garkon and Darching are under kargil district. These villages except Hanu use dtheir own language that is ‘Brog-skad’. Hanu is the only village that is not using the local language and use the ladakhi language.

As we all know that ladakh is known for its culture, this aryan valley or Brogyul region is also known for its different culture. They have their own culture and own role in programs organized by any organization in the district. The people of aryan valley are lovers of festivals and at the time of festivals not  only the people of aryan valley that are living in other cities and towns visit but also the Indian and foreign tourists visit to this glorious valley. The reporters of various newspapers and television networks visit to cover the festivals.

The famous festival of this aryan valley is Bono-na which is celebrated after a gap of at least three years. The gap of three year is because the first year of Bono-na is celebrated in Dha-Biama, the second year is celebrated in Garkon and the third year is left to a village called Ganogs, which is now in pakistan occupied baltistan. The festival is celebrated for five days and it is really very enjoyable festival. Not only elders and children, but also all the persons from other places dance and enjoy the festivals. On these festival about 22 traditional old songs or more is being sung. Nyoa is another festival that is celebrated for two days. Losar, the New year festival is celebrated for five days.