At first glance, it may seem like something out of a science-fiction movie, but there is such a village and people continue their lives within the framework of these and similar rules.
Let’s learn all the details about this village.
Located at the peaks of the Himalayas, Malana village is surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-capped mountains, but this is no ordinary village.
Because foreigners are not allowed to touch anything in this village. According to a legend, some of the soldiers in Alexander the Great’s army were injured in a war against Porus, the ruler of the Punjab region of India, in 326 BC and took refuge in this village.
In other words, unlike the villagers of Malana, the origins of the people living here are linked to the army of Alexander the Great. Moreover, their most striking feature is that they strictly adhere to the rules of their deity, Jamlu.
The most famous of these rules is “Don’t touch!”. Because they believe that if foreigners or tourists touch anything at all, it will anger the gods.
The “no touching” rule of Malana village is not only a religious ritual, but also aims to preserve the cultural purity of the village.
Malana people perceive everything coming from the outside world as a potential threat. It is strictly forbidden to touch the houses, temples and belongings in this village. The price for violating this ban is a fine or being removed from the village, never to take another step again.
Additionally, the natives of Malana village speak the Kanashi language, which is considered sacred and is not taught to people outside the village. This language is not spoken anywhere in the world except Malana village. So, the people living here have their own language.
Moreover, they have their own language and different rules.
For example, foreign people are still not touched in order not to anger the gods. When you go to a grocery store again to buy something random, the shop owner prefers to take the money from the counter rather than directly from your hand.
Additionally, marriages must take place within the village. In other words, anyone from Malana village cannot marry someone from another village or city.
In summary, the rules of Malana village almost resist the effects of the contemporary world. Even though tourism continues to rise and tourists continue to flock here, the village people continue to live without compromising their traditions.
Their stance makes Malana not only a pleasant village, but also a cultural symbol of resistance. Well, would you like to visit this village?
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