How a rare wedding in the Hatti tribe revives an ancient tradition of unity

Shillai, Himachal Pradesh — A rare and culturally significant wedding has drawn widespread attention in Himachal Pradesh, where two brothers from the Hatti tribe jointly married one woman, reviving a centuries-old custom known as Jodidara.

The bride, Sunita Chauhan of Kunhat village, wed brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi in a three-day celebration held in Shillai village, nestled in the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district. The ceremony, which concluded on July 14, was attended by a large gathering of locals and included traditional folk music, rituals, and blessings from village elders.

Jodidara, or fraternal polyandry, is a practice where brothers marry the same woman to maintain joint family land and unity. Though rare today, it continues legally within the Hatti tribe, a Scheduled Tribe officially recognized by the Indian government in 2022.

“Polyandry ensures property remains undivided and promotes harmony among siblings,”
said Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of Kendriya Hatti Samiti.
He added that in tribal regions, larger family units often provide greater security and stability.

While the practice has declined due to modern education and socio-economic shifts, polyandrous marriages still take place quietly—and occasionally, publicly. Sunita and her husbands said their decision was mutual and rooted in tradition, not pressure.

The wedding began with the traditional Jajda procession, where the bride was welcomed to the groom’s residence. A local priest led the Seenj ceremony, reciting mantras, offering jaggery, and invoking blessings from the family deity (Kul Devta). The ritual reflects ancient customs adapted to modern contexts.

Pradeep, employed with a government department, and Kapil, working abroad, said the arrangement would allow them to support their wife together.

“It’s not just about tradition—it’s about balance and partnership,”
they told reporters.

Though polyandry is prohibited under broader Indian law, exceptions exist for tribal communities like the Hattis. According to regional data, five such marriages have occurred in the Trans-Giri area in the past six years.

This wedding has reignited dialogue around the cultural richness and legal protection of tribal traditions. For the Hatti tribe, Jodidara is not just a marital custom—it’s a living symbol of their identity, unity, and resilience.