Polyandry: India
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Hatti community of Sirmaur
As of 2025
In a rare and culturally significant wedding, Sunita Chauhan from Kunhat village in Himachal Pradesh married two brothers—Pradeep and Kapil Negi—from Shillai village in Sirmaur district. The wedding, held between July 12 and 14, was celebrated publicly with vibrant folk music, dancing, and traditional rituals. Sunita, an ITI-trained technician, chose the arrangement willingly. Pradeep works in a government department while Kapil is employed abroad. The event went viral on social media, drawing attention to the age-old practice of fraternal polyandry, still followed by the Hatti tribe in the region.
This tradition, locally known as Jodidara, is a form of polyandry in which a woman marries multiple brothers. Inspired by the Mahabharata’s story of Draupadi and the Pandavas, it has historically served practical purposes—chief among them, preventing land division and maintaining joint family structures in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas. While once widespread in regions like Kinnaur and Jaunsar-Bawar, the practice has become rare and often hidden in modern times. However, this wedding marked a revival, celebrated proudly and openly by the community.
The couple’s living arrangements follow traditional norms, with the wife sharing time with each husband based on mutual agreement. Children are raised collectively, and although the eldest brother is usually considered the legal father, both brothers share responsibilities. Sunita emphasized that her decision was voluntary and based on mutual understanding with her partners. Pradeep and Kapil also expressed their commitment to upholding cultural values while building a united family.
Legally, polyandry is not recognized under mainstream Indian law, but Himachal Pradesh’s tribal customs—especially among the Hattis—are protected under regional revenue regulations and upheld by the courts. This lends the practice a degree of legal legitimacy within tribal regions. Despite this, the tradition often draws mixed reactions from the public—while some celebrate it as a way to preserve cultural identity, others question its relevance in a modern society.
The wedding stands as a powerful statement about cultural preservation and tribal autonomy. It also highlights the economic and social wisdom behind ancient customs that prioritize land conservation and collective well-being. At a time when many traditions are fading, the public nature of this ceremony served not only as a celebration of love and unity but also as a message about respecting and reviving indigenous ways of life.
