In a rare and culturally rich ceremony, two brothers from India’s Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh married the same woman, reviving the centuries-old tradition of polyandry, a practice now seldom seen.
The wedding took place in Shillai village, located in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district, and drew a large gathering of villagers and relatives. The event, held over three days starting July 12, celebrated the union of Sunita Chauhan with Pradeep Negi and Kapil Negi, and included traditional music, folk dances, and sacred rituals. Videos of the ceremony have gone viral, sparking widespread interest online.
The couple and both grooms emphasized that the decision was made mutually and without coercion.
“I was aware of this tradition and chose it willingly,” said Sunita, who hails from Kunhat village. “I respect the bond we’ve created.”
Pradeep, a government employee, added, “We’re proud to carry forward our tradition openly.”
Kapil, who works away from home, said the shared marriage provides “stability, love, and support in our united family.”
This form of polyandry—locally called Jodidara—is still legally recognized under Himachal Pradesh’s revenue laws. Though its practice has become rare, it continues to be socially accepted in some communities. Notably, five such marriages have been reported in the nearby village of Badhana over the past six years.
According to elders and community leaders, polyandry originated as a practical solution to prevent land fragmentation and to ensure that ancestral property stayed within the family. It also helped strengthen family unity among brothers, even half-brothers.
Kundan Singh Shastri, General Secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, explained:
“This tradition helped preserve land, reduce disputes, and build larger, more secure families.”
However, despite its communal logic, women’s property rights remain a contentious and unresolved issue in these arrangements.
While such marriages were once public celebrations, elders say they are now often conducted more discreetly, even in areas where they are still socially sanctioned.
As traditional chants echoed through the hills of Shillai, this unusual wedding stood as a reminder of how deeply rooted, though increasingly rare, cultural practices continue to endure in some parts of rural India.
One bride for two brothers
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