India’s ‘cleanest village’ bars visitors on Sundays to regain peace

Residents of Mawlynnong, a village in India’s mountainous northeastern state of Meghalaya near the border, have implemented a policy to bar visitors every Sunday. The measure is designed to provide residents with a mandatory day of rest from overwhelming crowds and to help them regain a sense of peace.

The village achieved widespread fame for being recognized as India's cleanest village, a distinction that subsequently brought significant tourist traffic. The new Sunday closure allows the local community to experience life as it used to be before the influx of outside visitors.