malKnownVillage of Malana: Admire its Charm, Don't Interact Directly
In the picturesque Kullu valley of India, nestled amidst the Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani mountains, lies the secluded and ancient village of Malana. Known for its unique democratic system and the production of the highly sought-after hashish, Malana Cream, this village has a set of strict rules and customs in place to protect its heritage and preserve its traditional way of life.
For visitors, the rules are clear and must be followed to ensure a respectful and cultural-sensitive experience.
1. **No Physical Contact**: Visitors are allowed to engage in conversations with the locals but are strictly forbidden from touching any Malani people, their houses, or holy places. Any accidental contact requires purification rituals, such as washing the affected area with buffalo blood[1][3].
2. **No Physical Greetings**: Social interaction is tightly regulated, and physical contact like shaking hands is prohibited to maintain the village's cultural purity[2].
3. **Respect for Religious Sites**: Visitors must show reverence for religious locations and avoid any intrusive behavior in temples or shrines[2].
4. **Daytime Visits Only**: To safeguard tradition and social fabric, outsiders can enter Malana only during the day, and overnight stays are prohibited[2].
5. **Recognition of Self-Governance**: Malana is ruled by a council called the Jamat, an elected group of elders who act as the court, parliament, and police. The village does not recognise India's broader judicial system and resolves all disputes internally with swift verdicts and penalties for offenses[1].
6. **No Land Sales or Marriages to Outsiders**: The village forbids selling land to non-residents and restricts weddings to within the community to preserve their heritage[1].
7. **Trekking Etiquette**: Tourists are welcomed for trekking and experiencing the natural beauty around Malana, but are urged to respect the local customs and not disturb the residents[3][4].
The government's opening of a school in Malana indicates a shift towards modernization in the village, potentially diversifying its economy, which was previously heavily reliant on hashish[5]. However, Malana continues to uphold its ancient customs and democratic system, claiming to have the oldest democracy in the world[6].
References: [1] https://www.indianexpress.com/article/travel/malana-village-himachal-pradesh-oldest-democracy-world-7111771/ [2] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/malana-village-has-its-own-laws-and-rules-193054 [3] https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/malana-the-isolated-village-of-himachal-pradesh-where-hashish-is-grown-and-sold/330921 [4] https://www.thebetterindia.com/118359/malana-village-himachal-pradesh-hashish-tourism-tribal-culture/ [5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/himachal-pradesh/school-in-malana-village-of-hashish-fame-to-open-soon/article32109393.ece [6] https://www.india.com/lifestyle/travel/malana-village-of-himachal-pradesh-has-the-oldest-democracy-in-the-world-3208901/
1.The ancient village of Malana, despite its opening to tourists for trekking, encourages travelers to respect the local customs to preserve its unique lifestyle.
- vis-à-vis the Malana village in Kullu valley, foreign influences are minimized in the form of regulations, such as no overnight stays, to maintain the preservation of its highly regarded traditional way of life.
