In a unique and culturally rooted wedding ceremony, two brothers from India’s Himachal Pradesh state married the same woman, reviving an age-old tribal custom that is now gaining widespread attention across social media platforms.

A Rare Wedding in the Modern Age

The wedding, which took place in Shillai village of Himachal Pradesh, involved Pradeep and Kapil Negi, two brothers from the Hatti tribe, who both married Sunita Chauhan. Photos and videos of the ceremony have gone viral, sparking curiosity and mixed reactions across the internet.

According to Indian media reports, the marriage was conducted under an ancient local custom that allows a woman to have more than one husband, a practice known as polyandry. This particular tradition is legally acknowledged under certain revenue laws in the region and is referred to as “jodiedara”.

All three participants in the marriage stated that the decision was made mutually and without any external pressure.

Background of the Bride and Grooms

Pradeep, the elder brother, is a government employee based in Shillai, while his younger brother Kapil currently lives and works abroad. The bride, Sunita Chauhan, comes from the same region. The trio explained that their decision to marry under this tradition was made to preserve family unity and cultural values.

While the Hatti tribe once widely practiced polyandry, such customs have largely faded in recent decades. Increased access to education, women’s empowerment, and socio-economic development has contributed to a decline in these practices.

Cultural Context and Historical Practice

According to tribal elders, polyandrous marriages were historically common among Hatti families. These arrangements often served practical purposes, such as preventing the division of ancestral property. With land being limited in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, such marriages helped keep family land intact, as all brothers shared the same wife and household.

The elders from the region further noted that while such marriages are still quietly accepted within the community, they have become increasingly rare. The last known polyandrous marriage in the Badhana village of the Trans-Giri district reportedly took place six years ago, making this a notable event.

Why Such Marriages Still Occur

Experts interviewed by Indian media highlighted that inheritance laws and land division remain at the heart of the practice. In many tribal communities, especially where agricultural land is scarce and a primary source of livelihood, splitting property among multiple heirs can lead to significant fragmentation and disputes.

By marrying the same woman, brothers can jointly manage and inherit property, ensuring it remains within the family and is not divided into smaller, less viable plots.

Legal and Social Standing

While such marriages might appear controversial or outdated to outsiders, within these tribal communities, they are often seen as practical and culturally appropriate solutions to complex social and economic challenges. The practice, though not officially encouraged by modern Indian law, is still recognized in local tribal laws and tolerated by the community.

Despite the increasing rarity of such customs, the marriage of Pradeep, Kapil, and Sunita has brought renewed attention to India’s rich and diverse cultural traditions, reminding many that tribal and rural societies often operate under different social contracts than urban or mainstream ones.

Mixed Reactions Online

As images and videos from the wedding circulated on social media, the reactions have ranged from curiosity and fascination to criticism and confusion. Many praised the couple and the family for embracing tradition, while others questioned the relevance of such customs in the modern era.

However, for the couple and their families, the marriage is a symbol of unity and tradition, and they insist that their decision reflects both cultural heritage and mutual understanding.

Conclusion

While rare and increasingly uncommon, polyandrous marriages still exist in parts of rural India, especially among tribal communities like the Hatti of Himachal Pradesh. The wedding of two brothers to a single woman under the age-old “jodiedara” tradition offers a glimpse into the complex ways in which tradition, economics, and modernity intersect in the lives of India’s diverse populations.