Shillong: Mawlynnong, acclaimed as one of Asia’s cleanest villages and a major tourist destination in Meghalaya, will remain closed to one-day tourists every Sunday starting January 2026.
The decision was taken by the Mawlynnong Village Dorbar after a series of deliberations, according to an official notification issued by the village authorities.
As per the notification, the village will remain open to visitors only from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, all tourist-related activities and services — including restaurants, shops and stalls, and public toilets — will remain closed.
The Dorbar stated that the move was necessary to ensure that villagers are able to attend church services on Sundays, which occupy most of the day. It noted that due to religious observances, service providers are unable to offer proper hospitality and assistance to visitors on Sundays, often resulting in inconvenience to tourists, particularly senior citizens.
According to the Dorbar, measures have been taken to prevent unpleasant experiences that could damage the village’s reputation among visitors. “We do not wish that to happen,” the notification stated.
However, two exceptions have been made for tourists staying overnight. Visitors who have checked into guest houses or homestays during weekdays and extend their stay until Sunday are exempted, as are tourists who wish to book accommodation on Sunday nights and check in on that day.
In both cases, the responsibility for hospitality and services will rest solely with the respective guest house or homestay owners.
The Dorbar has appealed to tourists, visitors, tour operators, and all stakeholders for their cooperation when the new arrangement comes into effect next year.
Touted as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong is a hamlet located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district.
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In Mawlynnong, the belief that cleanliness is next to godliness is deeply woven into everyday life. Household and public waste is collected in bamboo dustbins and taken to pits, where it is converted into manure.
Maintaining sanitation is a community responsibility, with every resident participating in keeping the village clean. Smoking and the use of polythene are strictly prohibited, while rainwater harvesting is actively practiced in the village.
