Malana Village – History And Myth The Malana Village And Its People

An ancient village nestled away amidst the towering mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Malana is rather famous as the perfect holiday destination for hipsters. The Malana village in Himachal Pradesh, India is tucked away in the shadow of the Himalayas and is rich in history. This community has captivated tourists and historians because of its distinctive culture, architecture, and customs. This blog post will discuss the mythology and history surrounding Malana village and its residents and why you should book a trip to this intriguing location.

The History Of Malana Village

Malana has a long and intriguing history that dates back to ancient times. According to local folklore, Malana was founded by remnants of Alexander the Great’s army who became isolated in the valley and established their own community. The Malanis claimed to be descendants of these lost soldiers, and they believe that they are of Aryan descent and therefore superior to other people in the region. However, there is no solid evidence to support this claim, and genetic ties to the soldiers have not been studied or established. Malana has its own lifestyle and social structure, which is governed by its deity Jamlu Rishi. Jamlu is believed to have been worshipped in pre-Aryan times, and he has a temple in the village where ancient artifacts and a sword are kept. The villagers follow strict rules and rituals that are dictated by Jamlu through a village council. The council has eleven members who are considered delegates of Jamlu and who administer the village in his name.

How To Reach Malana Village

Malana is not easily accessible by road or public transport. The nearest road is about 12 km away from the village, and it takes about 4 hours of trekking to reach Malana from there. The road is connected to Kasol, which is a popular tourist destination in the Parvati Valley. Kasol can be reached by bus or taxi from Bhuntar, which is the nearest airport. Bhuntar is about 50 km away from Kasol, and it can be reached by flight from Delhi or Chandigarh. Alternatively, you can also take a helicopter ride from Bhuntar to Malana, which costs about Rs. 7000 per person and takes about 15 minutes.

Festivals And Celebrations

Malana celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Fagli, Badoh Mela and Shaun. Fagli is celebrated in February, and it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It involves a ritual where two men dress up as demons and visit every house in the village. They are followed by a crowd of villagers who throw stones at them to ward off evil spirits. Badoh Mela is celebrated in August, and it is a fair where people from nearby villages come to trade goods and socialize. It also involves a wrestling competition where the winner gets a goat as a prize. Shaun is celebrated in September, and it is a harvest festival where people thank Jamlu for his blessings. It also involves a dance where men wear masks and animal skins and perform in front of Jamlu’s temple.

Tourist Attractions near Malana Village

Malana is a tourist attraction in itself, as it offers a glimpse into a different world with its unique culture and traditions. However, there are also some other places of interest near Malana that you can visit, such as:

• Chanderkhani Pass: This is a scenic mountain pass that connects Malana with Naggar, another historical village in the Kullu Valley. It offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and valleys, and it is a popular trekking destination for adventure seekers.
• Waichin Valley: This is a hidden valley that lies beyond Malana, and it is also known as Magic Valley or Mini Israel. It is a peaceful place with lush green meadows, pine forests, and streams. It is also a camping site for travelers who want to enjoy nature and solitude.
• Malana Dam: This is a hydroelectric project that was built on the Malana River in 2001. It has brought roads and electricity to the village, but it has also damaged the environment and disrupted the traditional way of life. It is an example of how development and modernization can have both positive and negative impacts on a remote community.

Tips For Visitors

If you are planning to visit Malana, you need to keep some things in mind to respect their culture and avoid any trouble. Here are some tips for visitors:

• Do not touch any person or property in Malana, as they consider it to be an offense and a violation of their purity. They may impose a fine or demand a cleansing ritual if you do so.
• Do not take photographs or videos of the villagers without their permission, as they may feel offended or threatened by your intrusion. They may also confiscate your camera or phone if you do so.
• Do not try to enter Jamlu’s temple or touch any sacred object in it, as they are strictly forbidden for outsiders. They may consider it as an act of blasphemy and punish you severely if you do so.
• Do not consume any food or water offered by the villagers, as they may have a different hygiene standard or dietary preference than you. They may also consider it as an insult if you refuse their hospitality.
• Do not buy or consume any hashish in Malana, as it is illegal and risky. You may face legal action or health issues if you do so.

Malana is a place that will leave you amazed and curious. It is a place that has preserved its ancient culture and traditions for centuries, despite the changes and challenges of the modern world. It is a place that has a mysterious history and a complex myth that makes it stand out from other villages in the region. It is a place that has a unique lifestyle and social structure, where the locals follow their own rules and rituals guided by their deity Jamlu Rishi. It is a place that has high-quality hashish, which is considered a holy herb by the locals and a sought-after product by travelers.