A Marriage That Sparked Curiosity Across India
In an age of modern love stories and nuclear families, a traditional marriage in Himachal Pradesh’s remote Sirmaur district has captured national attention. Two brothers—Pradeep and Kapil Negi—married the same bride, Sunita Chauhan, in a community-accepted ritual called Jodidara. While this may seem unusual to many, it’s deeply rooted in the centuries-old tribal customs of the Hatti community. But how does this polyandrous system work, and is it legal? Let’s explore the full story.
Who Are the Hattis? A Look into the Community
The Hatti tribe resides in the Trans-Giri area of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Sirmaur and Shillai regions, bordering Uttarakhand. Known for preserving ancient customs, they were granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status only three years ago. Despite the modern world creeping into their villages, the Hattis proudly cling to some long-standing practices—one of them being polyandry, locally called Jodidara or Jajda.
Meet the Couple(s): Pradeep, Kapil, and Sunita
The wedding that went viral took place on July 12, 2025. The bride, Sunita Chauhan, became the wife of both Pradeep Negi, a government employee, and Kapil Negi, who works abroad. The traditional three-day celebration, held in Shillai village, featured local folk music, dances, and the blessings of the Kul Devta (family deity).
Voices from the Couple
Pradeep: “We followed our tradition publicly. We are proud of it—it was a joint decision.”
Kapil: “This is about love, trust, and unity. We’re one family, and we want to keep it that way.”
Sunita: “I knew the tradition and made my decision without any pressure. I believe in this way of life.”
What Is Polyandry, and Why Is It Practised Here?
Polyandry is a marital system where one woman marries multiple men—usually brothers. While rare globally, it has existed in specific Himalayan tribal societies, including the Hattis, for practical socio-economic reasons.
Why Do the Hattis Support Polyandry?
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Land Preservation: The primary reason is to avoid the division of ancestral land among heirs. One bride for multiple brothers ensures that land remains undivided.
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Joint Family Strength: In rugged terrains, larger families mean better security, more working hands, and mutual support.
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Resource Management: Farming on scattered hilly lands needs collective labor. A united family handles agricultural challenges better.
Kundan Singh Shastri, General Secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, says:
“This tradition emerged thousands of years ago to preserve family unity and land resources in tribal societies.”
Jodidara: The Traditional Wedding Ritual
The Jajda or Jodidara ceremony is unique in its customs:
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The bride arrives in a procession to the groom’s home.
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A priest performs “Seenj,” a sacred ritual involving mantras and holy water.
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The Kul Devta blesses the union.
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Jaggery is offered, symbolising sweetness and unity in the marriage.
The event mirrors any regular festive wedding—but with deeper community symbolism.
Is This Legal in India?
Yes, polyandry is still legally recognized in parts of Himachal Pradesh under customary tribal laws. While the Hindu Marriage Act governs most matrimonial laws in India, exceptions are made for Scheduled Tribes like the Hattis under state-specific revenue laws and community customs.
Legal Experts Speak
Ransingh Chauhan, a lawyer and advisor to the Central Hatti Committee, confirms:
“Polyandry is recognised under Himachal’s ‘Jodidar Law’. Hundreds of such marriages take place every year in tribal belts.”
However, legal documentation such as joint marital certificates or property documents may involve practical challenges under mainstream civil law.
Where Else Is Polyandry Practised in India?
Besides the Hatti tribe in Sirmaur, polyandry also exists in:
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Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
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Jaunsar Bawar region in Uttarakhand.
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Some isolated Tibetan and Nepali communities.
While rare, the practice is still active, albeit quietly in many cases.
Why Is Polyandry Declining?
Even within the Hatti community, polyandry is fading due to:
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Increased literacy
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Migration to cities
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Changing gender norms
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Access to modern economy
Shastri notes, “As young people move out for education and jobs, the system may see a natural decline.”
Many families now opt for monogamous marriages, and those choosing polyandry often keep it discreet.
Cultural or Controversial? Public Reaction
The viral nature of this wedding has invited both admiration and criticism.
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Supporters call it an act of cultural preservation.
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Critics question gender equality and compatibility with modern values.
But within the community, this is a matter of pride and tradition, not controversy.
Does Polyandry Work? Real-Life Impacts
In tribal settings, the system has shown to:
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Reduce inheritance disputes.
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Promote brotherly harmony.
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Protect women’s financial security.
But challenges also exist, such as:
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Legal ambiguity in urban migration.
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Difficulties in documenting relationships for government benefits.
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Emotional complexities in marital dynamics.
The Future of Jodidara in Himachal
Despite its decline, Jodidara remains a living tradition for many Hattis. For them, it’s not about violating social norms, but about honoring community wisdom, keeping families united, and safeguarding land that’s been in the family for generations.
Conclusion: A Marriage Rooted in Culture, Not Curiosity
While the idea of two brothers marrying one bride may raise eyebrows elsewhere, in Himachal’s tribal regions, it’s a celebrated way of life. For Pradeep, Kapil, and Sunita, this wasn’t a headline—it was a heartfelt commitment grounded in centuries-old values.
And as long as communities like the Hattis continue to live by their ancient traditions, polyandry—legal, cultural, and symbolic—will remain a unique part of India’s diverse matrimonial landscape.