In the heart of Mizoram, a place of breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people, there exists a practice that speaks volumes about the values and integrity of the Mizo culture. It is called “Nghah lou dawr,” and it is a testament to the trust and honesty that permeate the lives of the people in this region.
Nghah lou dawr can be observed along the winding highways near Seling, a small town about 65 kilometers from the bustling capital city of Aizawl. Here, unattended shops stand as symbols of the exceptional ethos of Mizo society. These shops are not your typical brick-and-mortar stores, but rather humble bamboo-thatched structures that dot the roadside.
Every morning, as the sun peeks over the rolling hills, the farmer-owners of these shops prepare to showcase their goods. Fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, homemade fruit juices, dried fish, and local delicacies like freshwater snails are meticulously arranged on wooden shelves. What makes this practice truly extraordinary is the complete absence of shopkeepers or salespersons. They are called ownerless shops in Mizoram. Instead, the farmers entrust the honor system of the buyer to run their businesses.
The farmer-owners take great care in displaying small signboards next to each item, indicating both the name and the price. Payment boxes, often fashioned from recycled materials, are placed alongside these goods. After setting up their shops with precision and care, the owners depart to tend to their fields, where they engage in the age-old tradition of shifting cultivation, a practice deeply rooted in Mizo culture.
Passersby on their daily journeys are welcomed by this unique sight. They are expected to select the items they need, carefully calculate the total cost, and then deposit the corresponding payment into the designated boxes. The system relies on the integrity and trust of the community, as there are no surveillance cameras, no cashiers, and no security personnel. These shops remain operational year-round, whether it’s the scorching summer, the monsoon rains, or the biting cold of winter.
“Nghah lou dawr” encapsulates a distinctive philosophy of conducting business, one that is deeply rooted in the values of honesty and trust. It is a practice that has been passed down through generations and is upheld as an essential aspect of Mizo culture. In a world often plagued by mistrust and dishonesty, this practice serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing that there are places where people still believe in the fundamental goodness of humanity.
The people of Mizoram have crafted a remarkable way of life that honors integrity, community, and tradition. “Nghah lou dawr” reminds us that in a bustling world where trust is often in short supply, the bonds of an honest and close-knit community can create something truly remarkable and enduring. Besides Nghah Lou Dawr, there are other custom of Mizoram that is equally inspiring and thought provoking. Read more about mizo culture in this blog.
