In a rare cultural event, two brothers from the Sirmaur district’s Hatti community married the same woman in a unique cultural occasion, bringing back the public attention to an ancient tradition known as Jodidara, a form of fraternal polyandry still practiced rarely in parts of Himachal Pradesh.
What Is Jodidara?
Jodidara is a centuries-old custom among the Hatti tribe where a woman gets married to two or more brothers. This form of polyandry traditionally served several purposes:
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Preventing division of ancestral land among heirs
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Strengthening family unity
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Providing economic stability in hilly regions with scarce resources
Though it’s not common today, such marriages are recognized under local revenue laws and continue quietly in villages of the Trans-Giri region.
The Unique Wedding in Shillai
Pradeep and Kapil Negi, brothers from Shillai village, married Sunita Chauhan in a grand three-day celebration. Hundreds of people from the Shillai village came to celebrate the marriage. The ceremony followed long-standing customs, which included dance, traditional folk music, and unique rites conducted by local priests. The Seenj ceremony was an important custom that represented unity and harmony in marriage. Both brothers took vows alongside Sunita, reaffirming their mutual commitment.
Sunita stated that the I am aware of the tradition and happy to be part of it, adding that the decision was taken with full consent. Pradeep, employed with a government department, and Kapil, working abroad in hospitality, shared that they embraced the tradition with pride and mutual agreement.
Cultural Significance and Modern Perspectives
The Hatti community’s following the tradition of polyandry has deep roots in their socio-economic history. Marrying within the family’s siblings preserved landholdings and maintained family integrity crucial in a terrain where agriculture is challenging.
Recently granted Scheduled Tribe status, the Hatti people have seen a renewed pride in preserving their unique cultural heritage. The public nature of this wedding also highlights a gradual shift in attitudes where once-private traditions are now seen as part of community identity.
Similar practices of polyandry exist among communities in Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh), among the Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu, and certain Tibetan-origin groups in India — all stemming from practical socio-economic reasons.
A Marriage of Tradition and Choice
This marriage isn’t just about reviving a custom; it underscores the importance of choice, consent, and cultural respect. While such traditions can spark debate, the families involved affirmed their decision was mutual and made with dignity.
As polyandry gradually fades elsewhere, this ceremony stands out as a reminder that cultural practices, when upheld with respect and openness, can coexist with contemporary values.
