Malana – When time stopped in Himachal– Since 323 BC
Malana – a small cluster of stone houses located very near to
popular town Kullu, is offen called as THE LITTLE GREECE of Himalayas. There are many mysteries and questions
revolving around this small village. Lot of failed attempts have already being
made to understand this place, all in wane. But everybody who visits Malana say
one thing in common, ‘time never moved in Malana since 323BC’
1. The Great Alexander – History Unfolds here
After the sudden death of Alexander the Great, These people came here
and started living in isolation. They never let any outsider enter this space. Even
after 2300 years you can see glimpse of Greek culture here. Their wedding
costume, their court operations, Medicines and even their looks reflect a lot
like ancient Greece.
2. Fine for touching anything and everything
Not even their walls, Really!. They are very particular and strict for
this. You ask for any stuff at their shop, they will keep it on the counter;
you need to pick it up and keep the money on the counter. NO PHYSICAL CONTACT.
Even by chance there happens a contact, they will close the shop and go for a
bath. One cannot touch them or their belongings without their permission. So
better ask or be ready to pay a heavy fine.
3. No Video Shooting
if you insist, Kids and some villagers will be ready to give you a
cheese for a picture But NEVER EVER will they allow you a videography. Don’t
even try, you may land up in a mess. Even for a Photograph, Do Ask first.
4. Temples – where you cannot enter
The untouchable system the India followed way back pre-independence is
noting compared to what Malanis follow. You as an outsider are not allowed to
enter their temple. You cant even touch their Deity if you see one anywhere
around. Just take a picture and move ahead. That’s the only thing allowed.
5. ‘Never heard
before’ Rules
A. Hunting of
wild animals is not allowed without the permission of the village council. They
seek permission by getting a red Tilak on the weapon. Then only can they hunt.
B. They get
rewarded to Kill a bear, but the bear fur needs to be offered to the Devta as
offering to bhandara.
C. Burning
wood is not allowed in the forests of Malana.
D. Only dry
branches are permitted to be carried outside the forest for fuel purpose only.
We all know that Malana is pretty famous for this produce but did we know that it tops the menu at Amsterdam. Yes, a small village in the interior of Himachal tops the list of being the most expensive stuff of the world. Malana cream has won the title twice, in 1994 and 1996, at High Times magazine’s Cannabis Cup.The High oil content and an intensely fragrant aroma makes it best in the world.
7. Police?. Who are they?
Police intervention is not allowed, but if the accused wants
to seek the help of police he has to pay a fine of Rs 1000/- to the village
council, which is a lot of money for them.
8. Language of Rakshash
This unique language only spoken in the Malana village. The
residents of Malana village speak ‘Kanashi’ which is believed
as a language of a devil who used to reside in this village long ago.
This Kanashi Language is believed to be a mixture of Sanskrit
and several Tibetan languages and is entirely different from the languages
spoken in the neighboring areas. The interesting fact about Kanashi language is
that a non-Malani is never able to learn it even after years of research.
9. Lamb solves the case
They believe in a godly approach over the rational rules of India. In a
difficult decision to solve a conflict, they make a deep cut in the foreleg of
a lamb each of the two parties, poison it, and then sew it back with needle.
The person whose lamb dies first is said to lose the case.
10. Houses Looks alike
Can a carpenter work without Nails?. He does in Malana. Their houses are
created without even a single nail. They architect it in such a way to create
locks in the logs and fix it by the ale-key system. You have to see it closely
when you get there. But without touching ofcourse. The houses has 3 floors and
each with specific purpose,
Ground Floor : it is called Khudang, which acts as a cattle shed
and where the firewood and fodder for the sheep and goats are stored.
First Floor : It is called Gaying, it is used to store eatables, wool and for
weaving woolen fabric.
Second Floor : Pati – it is the living area.
Nobody can break this rule. Did I mention, they have mud plaster only on
the inner side?
11. Education! NaaaH!
Till date, only 2 students have managed to reach class 12. Didn’t it
shock you?. Yes, There is a middle
school here which has around 15 students and 4 teachers. Despite of the Mid Day
meal program and fee books to girls, they have less interest in studies.
Somewhere they know that they will not ever go out of the village. So Studies
is of no use they feel. There is a
primary school though, it has around 100 children at this time. The middle school was established in 1996. Isn’t that
too late?
12. Unknown Festivals
When the whole country
celebrates Independence day, Malana celebrates ‘Shaun’. The local residents of the village gather, dressed up in
their traditional attire. And if you ask me I believe that it is the best
time to visit. The Malanis perform their local dance called Nati in the
name of God and show their beautiful and wonderful culture. People
from all over the Kullu district visit Malana on this special occasion. The
Malanis on the day of Shaun festival offer their deity newly harvested
crops as a tribute for their good fortune.
While Fagli or Harlala
Mask Dance Festival, is celebrated in the mid of February, the phagun month. A
group of people wearing nothing but cannabis leaves and demon-like masks dance
around the houses spreading cow dung, which provides insulation from the cold
as well. Thereafter they take collective Bath. They believe that emperor Akbar
visited Malana on this day. So a procession
is carried out.
13. Oldest Democracy in the World
The local inhabitants claim Village Malana to be
the World’s oldest democracy with a well organized parliamentary
system, guided by their Devta Jamlu Rishi. It is believed that Malana
still follows the Greek parliamentary system. Some also believe that
once when Emperor Akbar walked into the village in order to cure an ailment
that he was affected with. After having been successfully cured, he put on a
verdict stating that all the inhabitants of the valley would never be
required to pay tax. They do not contribute to any tax, not even GST. They are
not rich though.
Does this make you exited. So come here and be a witness of a
place where time has stopped. Just remember one thing, DO NOT TOUCH.
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