India’s vibrant cultural diversity is globally admired, with every state cherishing traditions rooted deeply in heritage, belief, and history. One such tradition recently made headlines from Himachal Pradesh, where a rare marital custom gained widespread notice.
In Shillai village of the state’s Sirmaur district, a traditional three-day wedding ceremony turned heads as two brothers from the tribal Hatti community tied the knot with the same woman — an age-old custom still observed by a few.
What happened?
Pradeep and Kapil Negi, both belonging to the Hatti tribe, married Sunita Chauhan from Kunhat village in a polyandrous ceremony. The marriage, steeped in tribal rituals and cultural symbolism, lasted three days and included vibrant folk performances and community participation.
The couple emphasized that the union was completely consensual. “We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision,” said Pradeep. Kapil further added, “We’re ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family… We’ve always believed in transparency.” Sunita, too, affirmed her choice, stating, “She was aware of the Hatti custom locally called ‘Jodidara’ or ‘Jajda’ and became a part of the union willingly, respecting the bond they had formed.”
Understanding the tradition
The tradition of polyandry in the Hatti community stems from practical and social needs. Historically, it helped prevent the division of family-owned farmland and maintained family cohesion, especially in the challenging, mountainous terrain of Himachal. As Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, explained, “If you have a bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society.”
While such customs are rarely practiced today, they are still legally recognized in Himachal Pradesh under revenue laws by the name “Jodidara.”
This culturally significant event reflects how traditional customs continue to shape rural communities, offering insight into the enduring role of heritage in people’s lives — even as modern society evolves.
[With TOI inputs]
In Shillai village of the state’s Sirmaur district, a traditional three-day wedding ceremony turned heads as two brothers from the tribal Hatti community tied the knot with the same woman — an age-old custom still observed by a few.
What happened?
Pradeep and Kapil Negi, both belonging to the Hatti tribe, married Sunita Chauhan from Kunhat village in a polyandrous ceremony. The marriage, steeped in tribal rituals and cultural symbolism, lasted three days and included vibrant folk performances and community participation.
The couple emphasized that the union was completely consensual. “We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision,” said Pradeep. Kapil further added, “We’re ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family… We’ve always believed in transparency.” Sunita, too, affirmed her choice, stating, “She was aware of the Hatti custom locally called ‘Jodidara’ or ‘Jajda’ and became a part of the union willingly, respecting the bond they had formed.”
Understanding the tradition
The tradition of polyandry in the Hatti community stems from practical and social needs. Historically, it helped prevent the division of family-owned farmland and maintained family cohesion, especially in the challenging, mountainous terrain of Himachal. As Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, explained, “If you have a bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society.”
While such customs are rarely practiced today, they are still legally recognized in Himachal Pradesh under revenue laws by the name “Jodidara.”
This culturally significant event reflects how traditional customs continue to shape rural communities, offering insight into the enduring role of heritage in people’s lives — even as modern society evolves.
[With TOI inputs]
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