Kuchaliya village, located two and a half kilometers off the Alot-Jaora highway in Ratlam district, maintains an unusual tradition. For nearly 700 years, the village has followed a custom of not applying color or whitewash to the walls of houses.

Impact on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana houses

Approximately 100 new houses have been built in the village under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, but these structures continue to reflect the influence of the long-standing tradition.

According to villager Badrilal Dhakad, painting houses is believed to bring about untoward incidents.

Strict adherence to local customs

Sarpanch representative Jagdish Puri Goswami clarified that this rule applies equally to both government and private houses. In this village, residents also abstain from wearing black clothes as well as shoes and socks.