What is the story about?
Even for tourism-first economies, having a strong hold on community life and honouring it, will always be a gift that gives giving - both for locals and for those
visiting. And the people of Mawlynnong, nestled in the East Khasi Hills, in Meghalaya, understand this well and good. The local village council, called the Dorbar, have introduced a new rule, which came into effect earlier this year, in January. And it's pretty simple. One-day tourists will not be allowed into the village on Sundays. To be clear, this rule does not apply to tourists who stay on for a few days, but only to those who make one-day visits to the village.
Why the one-day off policy?
For as quaint as it looks in photos, Mawlynnong actually receives thousands of visitors every month. Much of this influx happens to be people already visiting Meghalaya and Shillong - though there are also many that make the journey to specifically experience 'God's own garden', another name for the village.Now as positive as this may be for Mawlynnong's economy, one can't deny the eventual toll it takes on daily life. So the policy to re-pivot the week back to what matters the most, happens to be the driving rationale behind the decision.
Why Sunday?
Mawlynnong is a predominantly Christian village. And Sundays, from a perspective of both faith and rest, mean a lot to them. In a sense, allowing the locals the conscious allotment of time to focus on their families and worship whilst pausing the increasing pressures of tourism is a way of intentionally pouring back into their community.This ethos also inadvertently explains why the village has been consistently touted as 'Asia's cleanest', since about 2003. This decision falls right in line with the reflection and sense of shared responsibility possessed by the Mawlynnong community.
