MALANA, District: Kullu, H.P.

Location : A small unique village at an altitude of 2652 M by the side of Malana-nala which meets with Parvati river at Jari village near Kullu. The place is near Chandrakhani Pass (3600 M). The trekking route from Naggar village near Manali and by the side of Beas river , goes to Malana (29 KM) via Chandrakhani Pass. In the map, it is located on the high mountain range on eastern part of the river Beas equidistant from Manali and Kullu.

History & Culture of Malanis : Malana is famous for its unique culture and village administration. It is believed to be the oldest democracy in the world. The entire administration of the village is controlled by him through a village council. Any dispute amongst the villagers are settled in the court of the village democratically. It is held at the centre of the village, where 19 elderly villagers including the head priest represents. No rule of outside the village is applicable there. If it fails, thje judgement depends on Jamlu, the deity of the temple. There is no theft, decoity or any crime in the area. The valuables are kept open in the temple without any guard. The image of the village God 'Jumla' is carried to Kullu during Dusserah festival but the deity watches from other side of river Beas.

People in Malana consider all non-Malani to be inferior and consequently untouchable. Visitors to Malana town must pay particular attention to stick to the prescribed paths and not to touch any of the walls, houses or people there. If this does occur, visitors are expected to pay a forfeit sum, that will cover the sacrificial slaughter of a lamb in order purify the object that has been made impure. Malani people may touch impure people or houses as long as they follow the prescribed purification ritual before they enter their house or before they eat. Malanis may never accept food cooked by a non-Malani person, unless they are out of the valley (in which case their Devt can't see them). Malanis may offer visitors food but all utensils will have to undergo a strict purification ritual before they can be used again.

Traditionally, they do not mix with the outsiders. The local people speak in a language mixed with Sanskrit, Kinnauri and Tibetan. Some crops are grown there besides plenty of narcotic plants. The developments in today's world have cast no influence on their life. The scenic beauty of the surroundings from Malana is unforgettable. The snow-capped peaks of Spiti valley are clearly visible. The trekking routes to Malana from any place viz. Naggar, Kalrain or Kullu are breathe taking. However, visit to Malana is not for the common tourists. If anyone likes to go back to an ancient society, he may visit Malana.

Malanis (the inhabitants of Malana) admire their culture, customs and religious beliefs. They generally do not like to change though some traces of modernization are visible. Despite of being a part of the Kullu valley, the Malanis have very distinct physical features, and a dialect which is different from the rest of the valley. There are various legends about their origin. According to one of them, it is believed that they are the descendants of Greek soldiers of Alexander's army. As the legend goes, some soldiers took refuge in this remote land after Alexander left the country and later settled there permanently. This myth is however disputed because there are those who claim that it is the valley of Kalash, in Pakistan that is actually the area in which Alexander the Great's soldiers took refuge.

Malana was also once famous for producing some of the best quality hashish (cannabis resin) in the world, known as "Malana Cream", which sells for 1,200-1,800 rupees per tola (= 10 grams). Today however this reputation has led to an influx of Nepali cannabis traders who sell Nepali charas under the Malana name. Due to heightened police attention which is directed to the area, and a general increase in hostility from the locals towards disrespectful Ganja tourists, Malana is no longer the idyllic place it once was to visit.

Safety : Safe; .Roads : Trekking road. Road traffic: Only serious trekkers. Medical support: No; Fuel Pumps: No; Car repairing: No; Market & Shopping Centre: No; Tourist Information Centre: No; Railway & Air Ticket: No; Hotels & Restaurants: No; Sports & Game Centers: No. Cellular service: No; Car rental: No.

Transport : No

Accommodation facilities: Not available

Special mention: No hotel or food is available on this route. The tourists should carry all amenities alongwith them.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 23:51