Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is located 90 km from Shillong, along the India–Bangladesh border.^[4] Kalain "The Gateway Of Barak Valley" is 187 km from Mawlynnong.

In 2026, its population numbers 600 residents,^[5] whereas in 2019, Mawlynnong had 900 residents.^[6] As of 2014^[update], there were about 95 households in Mawlynnong.^[7] The literacy rate is 90%.^[8] Agriculture is the chief occupation of the local population, with betel nut being the main crop.^[8] During summers, one can find pineapples and lychees which are then exported to the nearby regions as well.

The people residing in the community are Khasi people.^[6] The population mostly follow Christianity, and the village has three churches.^[9]

As is the tradition of the Khasi people, Mawlynnong property and wealth are passed from the mother to the youngest of her daughters, who also keeps the mother's surname.^[10][9]

Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness.^[11] The waste is collected in the dustbins made of bamboo, directed to a pit and then used as manure.^[8] A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. Smoking and use of polythene is banned while rainwater harvesting is encouraged.^[12]

The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as Asia's cleanest village in 2003, and the cleanest in India in 2005.^[8] This reputation has boosted local tourism; in 2017 NPR reported that, according to the village headsman, incomes had increased by 60 percent due to increased tourism.^[13]