Visiting the Oldest Village in India. A spectacle that remains unknown!

Wanna visit the oldest village in India? I got you. Note: The only village that women solely run!

It is said that India is approximately 9000 years old. When I say this, I write with respect to statistical evidence; the land might very well have been inhabited much before!

Numerous cultures have been celebrated and included as a part of the Indian culture. It is a large space regarding mythologies, mysticism, stories and more.

So let's cut to the chase,

What's the most ancient village in India?

Malana. A village located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

India's city culture has developed over the decades, and we have accepted westernisation in several of our day-to-day lives. Still, you would be surprised to know that Malana is far from that! This remote village is as traditional and ancient as ancient can get!

Location:?It is cut off from the world in a social sense. It is near the Parvati valley and northeast of the Kullu Valley.?

Is it popular?

Well, it is infamous since the village is mainly known for its hash (hashish, charas)

However, very few know that Malana is one of the oldest standing democracies in the world.

This further implies that the village itself handles all issues in the village; it does not allow any outside or external influences in any way.

Malana cream is a unique cream only found in this village extracted from the cannabis plant. It is said that people from all around the world come and purchase this cream due to its fascination and purity! The hash produced in this village is one of the purest forms in the world.

How ancient is the village?

The Malanese people believe they are the direct descendants of Alexander the Great and his soldiers! 'Pure Aryan blood' is what they think they have.

Feminism = Malana?

You will be shocked to know that the village women work much more or rather only work compared to the men, who mostly smoke hash and lie around.

From cooking, cleaning, harvesting, cutting, producing and selling. It is a village that women run!

On the other hand, the marriage of Malanese people is yet predetermined during their early adolescence (11 to 13 years of age)

During their wedding night, the bride is supposed to run behind her husband and in-law with a torch as a part of their customs.

A man can have multiple wives; if he decides to divorce one of them, he must take care of her financially. This is ironic because they have another tradition that dictates that men must not work.

Of course, we end with the tradition stating that if anyone marries, touches or even has a relationship with anyone from outside the village, the individual will be banished. He will be classified as a 'cursed' and 'polluted' individual since the people believe they are 'pure' Aryan blood, directly from the reigns of Alexander. Therefore they are superior to any outsider in one way or another.

Quirks, if any?

The people of Malana come from a tradition of spirituality and austerities. They believe that there exist several layers of the body apart from the physical layer itself, and so,?

Tiny examples include if you buy something from the shop in malana, instead of giving you the stuff or money in your hand, the shopkeeper will place it on the counter. Once the purchase is complete, they will go for a bath to cleanse themselves.

The temples in Malana are supposed to have one of the most unique architectural designs in the world, but outsiders are not allowed to touch the temples; if done, the outsider will not only be fined but an animal will be sacrificed for the contamination that they believe has occurred!

Touching things or even going near them is prohibited without specifically seeking permission in this village! It is counted as a crime; stealing is like murder, but even touching anything is not easily done. Physical touch and contact are uncommon in this village, especially if you are a visitor. India is a culture steeped in occult practices, especially in northern India. Malana is one such place where it is taken very seriously.

For example, one of the rules in this village is that no nails are allowed to be placed near or on a tree. This is because they regard trees as living and somewhat like humans.

They regard the lives of trees and humans at the same level.

You might have heard stories of trees crying or, at times, oozing out blood from their bark or roots. The villagers believe that it is the pain of the tree that makes it do so.?

It is incredibly inauspicious to burn firewood or harm trees.

Not only on an environmental level but a spiritual level. The village elders believe that one's life span can be significantly reduced if it is done. The malanese speak a dialect called 'Kanashi'; no outsider is allowed to speak this language or even try to learn it since it translates into 'the devil's dialect.' It is deemed bad luck for the village and the outsider if one tries to learn this unspoken language.?

How do they solve conflicts?

Well, they have a different system.?

The people strongly believe in the village's ancient law and not the outside government. When there is a conflict between the villagers or any two parties, two lambs are taken, the right front leg of two lambs are struck with a dagger or a knife in and about 2 inches deep, stuffed with poison and sewn right back. Each of these lambs is given to the two parties; whichever lamb dies first, loses the case. They believe that their god takes the decision. (And not the poison)

How do I reach Malana?

By Air: The closest air base to Malana is the Kullu Airport, located around 25 km from Malana. The airport is well-connected to major cities like Chandigarh, Pathankot, Delhi, etc. Cabs and taxis are available outside the airport.

?By Train: The closest railhead is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station, located about 125 km from Malana. Trains from cities like Chandigarh and Delhi travel to Malana. A cab can be rented from this point.

By Bus: From Delhi, catch a bus to Bhuntar and then to Kasol, which is 31 km from Bhuntar. You will find a place named Jari, where you can either trek to Malana, about 1.5 km from Jari or hire a taxi.

Oh, did I tell you,?

You are not allowed to 'stay' in Malana,?

A 'Yolo camping' site is located very close to the village at Jari. It is for around Rs 250. So you can check it out and decide.?