Malana bars outsiders till August, to fine offenders Rs 51,000

MANALI: Malana village of Himachal Pradesh’s Manali district, better known for “Malana cream”, has barred entry of outsiders for four months. Any violation of this village panchayat order will invite a fine of Rs 51,000.
While no state in the country has yet decided on further extension of the lockdown, the Malana village committee has imposed a ban on outsiders’ entry till August 31.Any villager who invites or gives shelter to any outsider, including friends, relatives or tourists, will also have to pay the steep penalty. The members of the committee will ensure nobody sneaks into the village from anywhere and will keep an eye on the health status of all the residents.
“Most of villagers are simple folk with little knowledge of coronavirus, its symptoms and prevention. We had to take such a strict decision to protect them from this epidemic,” said Malana gram panchayat president Bhagi Ram.
Nestled above Parvati Valley of Kullu on a mountain face, the mysterious Malana village with a population of about 2,350 people attracts tourists due to its ancient culture and unique traditions. The village still has its own law and parliament. The villagers started following the Indian law just a few decades back.
Bhagi Ram said said, “We are more socially connected than any other village of the country. We are dependent only on ourselves. If any infected person brings the virus to the village, 100 per cent population will get infected. We took this decision after long discussions and with everyone’s consent.”
Interestingly, Malana, sometimes called the village of taboos, has been implementing social distancing for centuries as it is a part of the culture here.
Visitors in Malana are welcomed with several signboards warning them that touching people and temples would invite a fine of up to Rs 10,000. Residents prefer not to touch outsiders unless they know them personally. This is the custom in the village. A few places cannot be touched by residents either. If touched, the place is considered impure and its sanctity has to be restored with a specific ritual.
Moti Ram, a resident, said, “Malana residents have been accused of being a discriminating breed that does not like outsiders coming to the village. But that is not the case. We are following our tradition of remaining pure and untouched. Villagers have started to move out for education and job. Tourism is one of the major sources of income. We welcome tourists but at the same time we have preserved our traditions and culture.”
Vivek Mohan, who made the national award film, “Malana – In Search Of,” said Malana residents have been following social distancing for centuries. “The world has understood the importance of social distancing after the Covid-19 crisis. I have seen Malana residents following social distancing ever since I visited here decades back,” he said.