What is Jodidara? Himachal Pradesh's unique wedding tradition, where a woman marries two brothers
A Wedding Like No Other in Shillai Village
In a recent example from Shillai village in the Trans-Giri area of Himachal's Sirmaur district, a woman named Sunita Chauhan tied the knot with two brothers—Pradeep and Kapil Negi—from the Hatti community. The three-day-long celebration, held from 12 July, was conducted openly with traditional rituals, music, and festivities. There was no secrecy surrounding the ceremony, as it was a proud public display of an age-old custom known as Jodidara, according to NDTV.
What is Jodidara and Why Do Women Marry Two Brothers?
Return of Polyandry in Himachal?हिमाचल के सिरमौर में अनोखी शादी सुर्खियों में! दो भाइयों ने एक ही दुल्हन से की शादी, गांव वालों ने पूरी स्वीकृति दी। परंपरा या बहस? 🤔#ViralWedding #HimachalNews #PolyandryTradition #UniqueWedding #ViralWedding #HattiCommunity #CultureBuzz pic.twitter.com/JW7cMT19Me
Jodidara, also referred to as Ujala Paksha, is the traditional practice of polyandry in which a woman marries two or more brothers. This form of marriage is still observed among the Hatti tribe, a close-knit community living along the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border.
The practice is believed to help preserve family unity, prevent division of ancestral land, and maintain economic stability in the hilly terrain where agriculture is the main livelihood. Under Jodidara, the wife spends time with each husband based on a mutually agreed arrangement, such as rotating nights or weeks. The family raises the children collectively, and while the eldest brother is legally recognised as the father, all brothers share parenting duties.
A Decision Made Freely and with Honour
Bride Sunita, who hails from Kunhat village, shared that she made the decision to marry both brothers willingly and with full awareness of the tradition. Groom Pradeep, a government employee, expressed pride in following his community's heritage. His younger brother Kapil, who lives and works abroad, said that this marriage symbolises their unity, transparency, and shared support for their wife.
A Custom Supported by Regional Law
While polyandry is generally not permitted under Indian law, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has recognised and upheld this tribal custom under what's locally referred to as the Jodidar Law. This gives legal support to such marriages within tribal groups like the Hattis.
The Hatti community, which was granted Scheduled Tribe status three years ago, is spread across approximately 450 villages in the Trans-Giri region. Although the tradition of Jodidara has declined over time due to modern influences, it remains alive in certain pockets. In fact, at least five similar marriages have taken place in Badhana village over the past six years.
Historical and Cultural Roots of Polyandry
The tradition of a woman marrying two brothers has roots that some believe go back to the Mahabharata era, where Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers. In the context of Himachal Pradesh, village elders claim that such marriages have long existed, though earlier they were often performed discreetly.
The key reason behind Jodidara lies in land ownership. In mountain regions where farmland is limited and precious, families prefer not to divide the land among sons. By marrying one woman to all brothers, the property remains intact, supporting the survival and prosperity of the joint family system.
Cultural Significance in Modern Times
Although rare today, Jodidara continues to be a respected practice among some Hatti families. It provides both emotional and economic stability. Brothers sharing a wife often develop stronger familial bonds, working together on the land, sharing responsibilities, and maintaining unity within the household.
Is Jodidara Legal in India?
Technically, polyandry is not legal under general Indian law. However, tribal traditions like Jodidara are protected under customary law in Himachal Pradesh. This legal exception allows tribal communities to maintain their age-old traditions, even if they differ from the rest of the country's legal framework.
The Jodidara tradition of Himachal Pradesh is more than just a unique wedding tradition; it is a glimpse into the region's cultural richness and social resilience. While modern influences are reshaping societal norms, this age-old practice of a woman marrying two brothers still finds relevance in the hills of Trans-Giri. For the Hatti community, Jodidara is not just a marriage custom—it is a symbol of unity, survival, and tradition.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Anil Mistry: From poaching to protecting
It was a quiet day in the late 90s. A young man born in a poacher's family was in the middle of a hunt in the dense forests of the Sundarbans. They had managed to shoot a doe, but it was a bit later that they realised a fawn was hiding behind and was left an orphan because of their action. The man, deeply moved by this scene, was unable to let go of the guilt and decided to turn himself in to the officials. This is the story of Anil Mistry, the poacher turned conservationist of the Sundarbans. Born on Bali Island on the Indian side of the Sundarbans, Anil Krishna Mistry is now a dedicated advocate for mangrove conservation and wildlife protection. He founded the Bali Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society (BNWCS) and works primarily towards diminishing human-wildlife conflict. As a former poacher and native of the area, he often emphasises how well he and his fellow ex-poachers know the nooks and crannies of the Sundarbans better than anybody. Just as he turned a new leaf, Mistry inspired multiple other poachers to mend their ways and help in conserving the nature around them rather than destroying it. The Sundarbans, home to the iconic Royal Bengal tiger, have always had issues related to human-wildlife interactions that cause tension. Anil has participated in over 70 tiger capture and release operations, and his organisation has helped ensure several such dangerous scenarios have been handled smoothly. Mistry also works towards ensuring alternative livelihoods, such as pond farming, poultry, small-scale agriculture, embroidery, and veterinary services, to reduce dependency on forest extractivism. These efforts have enabled his village to achieve financial stability without harming the forest. It was while working with the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), led by founder Belinda Wright, that he picked up the mission of protecting mangroves and wildlife through community-centred initiatives. From taking lives in the jungle to giving tigers a chance, Anil Krishna Mistry's journey provides an inspiring tale of ecological resilience and redemption. He has contributed to the preservation of one of India's most delicate ecosystems by empowering the community and ensuring compassion-driven conservation. His life serves as a timeless reminder that practicing respect for the delicate balance between people and nature are the first steps towards change.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Indian Man Applauds Dutch Officials' Response To Minor Road Bumps: ‘Wish Every Country Cared Like This'
An Indian man's video praising the Dutch government's quick fix of minor road bumps has gone viral. An Indian man living in the Netherlands has gone viral for praising how the local authorities responded quickly to fix even the smallest road bumps. Prabhu Visha shared a video on Instagram and captioned it: 'Coming from India, this honestly felt so beautiful to me." Why Is The Video Gaining Traction In the video, Prabhu Visha is seen skating smoothly down the road, barely noticing any disturbance. On the clip, a statement reads: 'This is why I believe the Netherlands truly cares for its people." Further in his post, Prabhu Visha explained what made the incident so special. 'Near my home in the Netherlands, there were some small bumps on the road. For me, the road was already perfect. But then we got a letter from the government explaining they will fix it, with details of why, when, where, and how. It's possible some people complained about it, and that's why they're fixing it. But still, it's amazing that they listen and act," the post read. He added, 'Even small bumps matter here, for pregnant women, people biking with kids or the elderly. Seriously, hats off to this government for their inclusion and communication." He ended his post by saying, 'I wish every country cared for its people like this." Here's How The Internet Reacted The video was posted on July 23 and quickly gained over 3 lakh views. Many users praised the Dutch government's attentiveness and quick action, especially for such a minor issue. It also sparked comparisons with civic systems in other countries. A user commented, 'I agree, yes, the taxes are high, but when you realise little things like this. It makes it so worth it." Another joked, 'Bro, don't lie, the road is perfect, I am from India." 'Proud to be part of this beautiful country," an individual said. Another shared, 'Netherlands also cares for its animals. You won't see a single street dog because they made a strict policy to sterilise and vaccinate them. Adoption is supported, heavy tax on breeding and strict animal laws." Prabhu Visha's post reminded people how good governance, clear communication and attention to detail, even in the smallest things, can make a big difference. First Published: July 28, 2025, 13:53 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Fashion Value Chain
5 hours ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Weaving Traditions: The Cultural Tapestry of Indian Handlooms
Ms. Ananya Tiwari, Post-Graduate Academic Scholar in Fashion Management, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Daman campus Abstract Boasting a rich history and vibrant culture woven into its textile traditions, it is confirmed that India is indeed a land of handlooms. The handloom sector in India has a long tradition of outstanding artisanship that represents and preserves vibrant Indian culture. It is one of the largest cottage industries with over 2.8 million looms. This sector has the advantage of being eco-friendly and having less power consumption. In this article, we will go through a glimpse of two such handlooms from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. Introduction First, we will go through Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Cross-pollinated by trade and commerce, its long history has been interwined with its textile roots it is one of the renowned centres for zari and brocade weaving. These fabrics have a long and continuous tradition in our cultural history. The weavers of Varanasi are masters of many complex weaving techniques. From the Kadwa and Fekua to Cutwork and Urtu, each technique is individual and distinct. In each category, there are variations and adaptations. All woven on indigenously made looms, a wide range of fibres is used, from the finest cotton yarns to the coarsest, from wide silks to the most refined. Brocade work can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Due to its complex and intricate design, it would usually be worn by royal families across countries like Japan, Korea, China, and Greece. Brocade refers to those textiles where patterns are created on the loom itself, which means it is the process of weaving by transfixing the pattern thread between the warp. This highly delicate work uses gold, silk, silver, or cotton threads with extra weft patterning. This gives the motif an embossed appearance over a regular fabric that increases its ornamentation. The Jangla is a literal jungle pattern, which is inspired by nature that spreads across the textile field like a jal/ net. It is represented with the imagery of the royal hunt. Tigers, deer, birds, and horses are all intermingling in a forest of floral motifs. This Jangla and Shikargah represent the mastery of Varanasi weavers who depicted the favoured pastime of ruling princes and aristocracy. Gyasar comes under the different types of Varanasi brocades. The design, pattern, colours, and theme are based on the auspicious Buddhist symbols and floral imagery. The Gyasar weave has been used for centuries for ceremonial dress as an offering. The clients for this weave include the Royal family of Bhutan and other followers of Buddhism across the world. This heavy brocade in silk with gold and silver zari is woven on the pitloom with a width of 23', and a weaver can produce just a few inches in a day. Coming to the western part of India, we will now be talking about the Patola of Gujarat, the double Ikat silk fabric made in Patan was a popular item of Indian export to Indonesia around the 13th century, where Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and other merchants used them to barter for spices. The name Patola is derived from the Sanskrit word 'pattakulla', and is the plural form of the word patolu. Dynamic geometric grid patterns and intricate motifs combine to form the double ikat textiles of India. The precise placement of the closely woven motifs, combined with rich colours, provides the patolu (weaver) of Gujarat a mosaic-like appearance. Pattern drawn on a graph sheet Patolas are manufactured by the resist-dyeing technique. The essential block-like quality of these textiles comes from the reference to the double ikat technique. In this process, sets of identical marked threads are tied and dyed at regular intervals. When woven, it forms networks of stepped motifs or patterns. Precision is the main goal of a patolu weaver. This is a Panch Ful Bhat silk Patola sari using the techniques of Double Ikat, where five flowers are shown in full bloom as a motif. Cotton is rarely used, especially for ikat sections. With a few exceptions, the Patola is traditionally used as a rectangular cloth. In Jain and Hindu communities, double ikat saris with entire design of parrots, flowers, elephants, and dancing figures are generally used, whereas in Muslim communities, saris with geometric designs and flower patterns are used, being worn mostly for weddings and other special occasions. Conclusion Handloom is not just about weaving the fabric, but it also represents our human creativity and cultural continuity. It showcases the patience and skill of artisans who transform these regular-looking threads into textiles, which gives us the meaning and heritage of our country. As power looms are giving us speed in this industrial revolution, the handloom stands as a reminder that beautiful things can emerge from slowness, where traditions are preserved and coexist with progress.
