The small Maharashtra village of Shani Shingnapur is well-known for its unusual custom of not having doors or locks on residences, businesses, banks, or lodging facilities.
Shani Shingnapur's homes and businesses are constructed without locks or doors. For privacy, residents instead use plain door frames or drapes.
The people' great belief in Lord Shani, the God of Saturn, is noteworthy. According to their beliefs, the deity guards the town and punishes anyone who tries to steal or commit other misdeeds.
According to legend, Lord Shani's idol washed up on the banks of the Panasnala River some 300 years ago.
To watch over and protect them, the god told the village to keep the idol uncovered. Villagers removed locks and doors in appreciation, believing that he would safeguard them from God.
The village is well-known for not reporting any major thefts or crimes, which furthers their confidence in Lord Shani's protection.
For long years, Shani Shingnapur lacked a police station, a sign of the village's faith in its security. Only recently was a police station built for administrative reasons.
The villagers think that anyone who is dishonest will suffer from poor luck for seven and a half years, and that thieves will be punished with blindness right away.
Devotees can pray directly to the deity in the village's open Shani temple, which has neither a roof nor walls. Every year, thousands of people visit this temple.
Even contemporary establishments, such as a 2011 UCO Bank branch, adhere to the custom by leaving the front doors unlocked.
Due to its distinctive cultural practices and the Shani temple, the town has grown to be a well-liked tourist destination.