Mawlynnong - Cleanest villege of Asia

                 Welcome to Mawlynnong

North East region is a region in India where we can see picture perfect views throughout the year. Different regions have different best view times in different seasons. But Meghalaya is one of the seven sisters of northeast which change colour of its beauty in different seasons. Mawlynnong is one of the main attractions of Meghalaya . 

Mawlynnong is a village which is located on east khasi hills, 79km away from Shillong. This village was awarded as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 by Discover India. This is not the only recognition of this beautiful village full of simplicity but it is also known as “God’s own Garden”. 

Weather of this village is tourist friendly throughout the year but the best time to visit this place is in monsoon season. Other than the monsoon season one can come to this village during the festive time of locals. The village ethnicity is dominated by Khasi people and two most famous festivals of them Behdienkhlam and Wangala can be the point of tourist attraction. The Khasi ethnic group have other facts which show the diversity in custom and culture. Khasi left behind the patriarchal society and promoted women empowerment. They take mothers surname and wealth is passed down to the youngest daughter of the family. The youngest daughter took their husband to their mothers house and got the privilege of staying with mother forever. 

Another most famous attraction of Mawlynnong is the living root bridge. The living root bridge was made by the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree around a framework and continuing the process for generations. The living root bridge is also declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. As this village is located at Indo-Bangladesh border so visitors can enjoy the View of Bangladesh’s landscape as well. 

FACTS ABOUT MAWLYNNONG:

 - Mawlynnong is not only the cleanest village in Asia, it is also a village with 100% literacy rate. 

 - Women empowerment scenario of this village is something that the whole world would dream of. 

 - All houses of this village have had a functional toilet since 2007.

 -Plastic bags are banned in this village.

 - Smoking is also prohibited in this place.

 - The village has dustbins made by bamboo all around the village. 

 - Villagers not only clean their house or their personal area, they also clean the roads.

 - Tree plantation became a part of their livelihood. 

Pictures clicked by: Piyali Saha.