Two Himachal brothers marry same woman to adopt dying tradition

In a rare and publicly celebrated event, two brothers from the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh, Pradeep and Kapil Negi, married the same woman, Sunita Chauhan, embracing the dying tradition of polyandry. The three-day wedding, held in Shillai village of Sirmaur district, drew hundreds of people and gained significant attention on social media.
This practice, known locally as “Jodidara” or “Jajda,” is a form of fraternal polyandry where two or more brothers share one wife. While it was once common among the Hatti community, especially to prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land and maintain family unity in the hilly terrain, its prevalence has significantly decreased with rising literacy and economic upliftment.
The bride and grooms stated that the decision was mutual and made without any external pressure. Sunita Chauhan, aware of the tradition, expressed her respect for the bond they have formed. Pradeep, who works in a government department, and Kapil, who is employed abroad, emphasized that they were proud to publicly follow this tradition, ensuring support, stability, and love for their wife as a united family.
Polyandry in this region has historical roots, often linked to the Mahabharata epic, with the practice sometimes referred to as “Draupadi Pratha.” While Indian law generally prohibits polyandry, the “Jodidara” custom is legally recognized under Himachal Pradesh’s revenue laws for tribal groups.
Community leaders and experts explain that the tradition originated thousands of years ago primarily to prevent the division of agricultural land among multiple heirs. It also fostered unity among brothers and preserved the joint family system, which was crucial for survival in remote, agrarian settings. Although the number of such marriages has declined over the centuries, they are still socially accepted within the Hatti community, though often performed discreetly. This recent public celebration highlights a conscious effort by the individuals involved to revive and honor their cultural heritage.