Mizoram Takes Physical Distancing To Another Level; Shops Run Without Shopkeepers During COVID-19!

You’ll be surprised to know about Mizoram’s traditional concept of trust and honesty, followed in the state’s Seling town, where certain shops are run without shopkeepers. By Tanvi Jain

The year is 2020; #Honesty #Hospitality #Trust comes handy again for #Mizoram during these trying times of #COVID19 outbreak.
Traditional Nghah-loh-dawr,(shops without shopkeepers) comes handy for many sellers & buyers in maintaining safe social distancing.#MizoramFightsCovid19 pic.twitter.com/Y1BGiZVLVR

— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) June 18, 2020

Did you know about the Nghah Lou Dawr Culture Of Mizoram, in the state’s Seling town, where locals open shops without any shopkeepers and run on the basis of trust? Yes, it’s an old concept and is followed till date in certain areas. One can take whatever he/she wants from the shop, and leave the money in a deposit box. 

“The year is 2020; #Honesty #Hospitality #Trust comes handy again for #Mizoram during these trying times of #COVID19 outbreak. Traditional Nghah-Loh-Dawr,(shops without shopkeepers) comes handy for many sellers and buyers in maintaining safe social distancing,” Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga tweeted. 

Along highway of Seling in Mizoram, many shops without shopkeepers are found without shopkeepers. It is called 'Nghah Lou Dawr Culture Of Mizoram' which means ‘Shop Without Shopkeepers’. You take what you want & keep money in deposit box. These shops work on principle of trust! pic.twitter.com/LbG1J8xN1d

— My Home India (@MyHomeIndia) June 19, 2020

The concept, already viral on social media, has often left users in awe. An image of the same was recently shared on Twitter by an NGO called My Home India, saying, “Long highway of Seling in Mizoram, many shops are found without shopkeepers. It is called ‘Nghah Lou Dawr Culture Of Mizoram’ which means ‘Shop Without Shopkeepers’. You take what you want and keep money in the deposit box. These shops work on the principle of trust!” 

The post garnered immense appreciation from Twitteraties, many were even amazed at the amount of trust that exists among the people of Mizoram, impossible to find otherwise in today’s day and age.  

“I have experienced this in Mizoram, really very happy and once read that Mizoram is the safest place in India to travel then realised. Hats off to the people of Mizoram. I love the state,” said a user @pintumullah. 

Mizoram: Some roadside shops may make a traveller wonder. They are unusual with no shopkeeper found keeping guard and selling products. Even in current situations of #COVID19 pandemic, these shops are remaining open from dawn to dusk and products are sold out without shopkeepers. pic.twitter.com/cgOeHWjuyd

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 20, 2020

“Oh, that’s what trust is all about. I still can’t believe. Hope one day I will visit this part of Mizoram and meet those wonderful people,” added another user @vinod_vinod1425. 

“God bless these humanitarians who are helping us to understand the word honesty, humility, blessed,” expressed @vindhyanaman. 

The concept is not only viewed as a lesson of trust and honesty but also as a safe practice during COVID-19 pandemic, where social distancing and limited gathering has become the new normal. Meanwhile, Mizoram has recently extended complete lockdown in the state till June 30.

Related: All The Quarantine Rules You Need To Know RN For Inter-State Travel In India