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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Polyandry part of ancient tribal tradition, says Himachal Ministers after woman marries two men
Polyandry is not new to Himachal Pradesh and a primary reason for its prevalence in some parts of the state is keeping a family intact and the landholdings undivided, say multiple people familiar with this tradition. This anachronistic tradition came to limelight after two brothers of the Hatti tribe in Shillai village of the Transgiri area of Sirmaur district tied the knot to the same woman earlier this month. 'It is not a new tradition. Polyandry is a part of ancient tribal tradition and culture to keep the land undivided and is prevalent in parts of Kinnaur and Sirmaur districts,' said Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who is the MLA from the Kinnaur constituency. Sunita Chauhan married Pradeep and Kapil Negi, saying they are proud of this tradition and have taken the decision jointly. 'The tradition is old and there would be a rare house in Shallai where such a marriage has not taken place,' said Industry Minister Harshwardhan, who represents the Shallai constituency. Revenue laws of Himachal Pradesh recognise this tradition, which is named 'Jodidara'. The tradition is also recognised under sections 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Himachal Pradesh's first Chief Minister, Y.S. Parmar, did research on this tradition and his Ph.D. from Lucknow University was on 'Polyandry in Himalayas 'Socio-economic background of Himalayan Polyandry'. 'According to the research of Y.S. Parmar, polyandry was prevalent in all five khand (sections) of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal and there were psychological, biological and economic reasons behind the practice,' former chairman of Dr. Y.S. Parmar Chair at Himachal Pradesh University O.P. Sharma told PTI. Some segments of warrior communities, especially Khasu and Tod, believe that teh Pandavas of Mahabharata are their ancestors and willingly continue the tradition, he said, adding Parmar had also quoted statistics of screwed sex ratio which showed that the number of girls were less than boys. 'Keeping small landholdings intact and less expense on weddings were the economics behind the tradition,' he said. He asserted that Parmar 'did not encourage the practice of polyandry in view of women exploitation and I share the same views'. 'If live-in relations are accepted, then why is there an issue with age-old traditions? There are 15-20 families in my village Koti (Sirmaur district) where a woman is married to more than one man and we want the tradition to continue,' says law student Krishan Pratap Singh. Relations stay healthy in the family and land stays intact in joint marriage, says Balma Devi. Polyandry is an old tradition in which brotherhood remains and expenses are handled adequately, says Sant Ram. 'We four brothers are married to two women,' he adds. Hatti is a closed-knit community in the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border and was declared as Scheduled Tribe three years ago. In this tribe, polyandry was in vogue for centuries, but due to rising literacy among women and economic uplift of communities in the region, cases of polyandry were not reported much as it used to be a simple ceremony. 'We have got tribal status due to such old traditional practices which also find mention in revenue records. Polyandry is prevalent in about 150 villages in the Trans Giri area of Sirmaur district and is still a practising tradition in some villages. It was also prevalent in Jaunsar Babar, tribal area of Uttarakhand,' said spokesperson of Hatti Vikas Manch, Ramesh Singta. Such marriages are being solemnised in a clandestine manner and accepted by the society but instances are fewer, elders in the village said. Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the prime body of the Hatti community Kendriya Hatti Samiti, said this tradition was invented thousands of years ago to save a family's agricultural land from further division. Another reason is to promote brotherhood and mutual understanding in a joint family by marrying even two or more brothers born from different mothers with a single bride, he told PTI. The third reason is a feeling of security. 'If you have a big family with more men, you are more secure in a tribal society,' he said, adding it also helps in managing scattered agriculture lands in far-flung, hard, hilly areas which requires a family for a long time for care and cultivation. These requirements of tribal families have kept the polyandry system in practice for thousands of years; though these traditions are slowly dying, Mr. Shastri added.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'We're proud of It': Himachal brothers marry same woman under age-old Hatti tradition
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. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category PGDM Digital Marketing CXO Public Policy Product Management Cybersecurity others Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking MBA Project Management MCA Data Analytics Data Science Operations Management Degree Technology Others Leadership Healthcare healthcare Finance Data Science Management Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elin Nordegren Show Off Her Huge Size In New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo 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.' Live Events 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]
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Two brothers marry the same woman in Himachal: What is the age old custom of Hatti?
India is well known across the world for its diverse cultures and traditions, where each state has cultures woven deep into the fabric of time, belief, history, and rich legacy. Following the same traditions in Himachal Pradesh, a recent marriage in Shillai village of the state has caught national attention. In a culturally rich three-day ceremony, two brothers from a specific tribe married the same woman, following an age-old custom. Surprisingly, the decision was openly embraced rather than hidden, inviting us to know how impactfully a cultural practice can shape community values and family life in the remote regions. What exactly happened? Recently, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh's Hatti tribe, named Pradeep and Kapil Negi, married the same woman, Sunita Chauhan of Kunhat village, by a culturally important polyandrous ceremony. The three-day event was held in Shillai village of Sirmaur district and saw hundreds of villagers participate along with performances of folk songs, traditional dances, and local rituals, as per local reports. According to reports from PTI, the couple stressed that the decision was mutual and made without external pressure. 'We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision,' Pradeep shared, while Kapil added, 'We're ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family… We've always believed in transparency'. Sunita also said that her participation was voluntary. She said 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. What is this tradition all about? Polyandry in the Hatti community arose to prevent division of ancestral farmland, maintain family unity, and ensure joint responsibility in remote, agrarian settings. As Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, explained, this tradition allowed for stronger security and unity among brothers working scattered plots in the mountainous terrain, 'If you have a bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society'. Although this practice remains rare today, it remains legally recognised under Himachal Pradesh's revenue laws as 'Jodidara.' Is polygamy legal in India? Although polyandry is not legally sanctioned under the Hindu Marriage Act, customary exceptions are allowed for certain tribal communities. The Hatti people were granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2022, providing limited legal protection for such customs.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
What is Jodidara? Himachal Pradesh's unique wedding tradition, where a woman marries two brothers
One bride marries two brothers: In the remote and scenic villages of Himachal Pradesh, a centuries-old, unique wedding tradition is still being followed in select tribal communities. Known as Jodidara, this custom allows a woman to marry two brothers, a practice that may sound unusual to the outside world but is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and regional history. 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 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.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Two Himachal brothers marry same woman adopting tribal tradition of polyandry
Two brothers of the Hatti tribe tied the knot to a woman in Shillai village of Himachal Pradesh, with hundreds of people witnessing the marriage solemnised under the anachronistic tradition of polyandry. Bride Sunita Chauhan and grooms Pradeep and Kapil Negi said they took the decision without any pressure. Local folk songs and dances added colour to the ceremony that began on July 12 and lasted for three days in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district. Videos of the wedding ceremony have gone viral on the internet. Revenue laws of Himachal Pradesh recognise this tradition and named it 'Jodidara'. In Badhana village in Trans-Giri, five such marriages have taken place in the past six years. Sunita, who hails from Kunhat village, said that she was aware of the tradition and made her decision without any pressure, adding she respects the bond they have formed. Mr. Pradeep, from Shillai village, works in a government department while his younger brother Mr. Kapil has a job abroad. 'We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision,' said Mr. Pradeep. Mr. Kapil said he may live abroad, but through this marriage, 'we're ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family'. 'We've always believed in transparency,' he added. Hatti is a closed-knit community in the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border and was declared a Scheduled Tribe three years ago. In this tribe, polyandry was in vogue for centuries, but due to rising literacy among women and economic uplift of communities in the region, cases of polyandry were not reported. Such marriages are being solemnised in a clandestine manner and accepted by the society, but instances are fewer, the elders in the village said. According to experts, one of the main considerations behind the tradition was to ensure that the ancestral land was not divided while the share of tribal women in the ancestral property is still a main issue. There are nearly three lakh people of the Hatti community who live in about 450 villages in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district and polyandry is still a practising tradition in some villages. It was also prevalent in Jaunsar Babar, tribal area of Uttarakhand and Kinnaur, a tribal district of Himachal Pradesh. Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of Kendriya Hatti Samiti, the prime body of the Hatti community, said this tradition was invented thousands of years ago to save a family's agricultural land from further division. Another reason is to promote brotherhood and mutual understanding in a joint family by marrying even two or more brothers born from different mothers with a single bride, he told PTI. The third reason is a feeling of security 'if you have bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society', he said, adding it also helps in managing scattered agriculture lands in far-flung hard hilly areas which requires a family for a long time for care and cultivation. 'These requirements of tribal families have kept the polyandry system for thousands of years, in practice, though these traditions are slowly dying,' Mr. Shastri added. In this unique tribal tradition of marriage known as 'Jajda', the bride comes to the village of the groom in a procession and the ritual known as 'Seenj' is performed at the residence of the groom. The pandit chants mantras in the local language with sprinkling holy water on the bride and groom, and offers them jaggery in the end, with blessings that their Kul Devta may bring sweetness in their married life.
