- By Yashashvi Tak
- Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a rare polyandrous ceremony known locally as Jodidara, two brothers from the Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh married the same woman. The unique three-day celebration took place in Shillai village of Sirmaur district, beginning on July 12, and was attended by hundreds of villagers.
Like any conventional wedding, the event was marked by vibrant folk music, dance, and community festivities. However, this ceremony stood out for its adherence to an age-old tradition, polyandry, where a woman marries multiple men, usually brothers. Once widespread among the Hatti community, especially in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, this custom, known as Jodidara, is now rare but still recognised under the state’s revenue laws.
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The Hattis, who were declared a Scheduled Tribe three years ago, inhabit the Trans-Giri region along the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border. Despite its decline, the tradition persists in some areas; in Badhana village alone, five such polyandrous marriages have taken place over the last six years, according to officials. The Kendriya Hatti Samiti, the community’s apex body, maintains that the practice originated thousands of years ago out of necessity, as reported by PTI.
What Bride And Grooms Said?
Bride Sunita Chauhan and grooms Pradeep and Kapil Negi stated that their decision to marry was mutual and made without any pressure or coercion. "We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision," said Pradeep.
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," the second brother, Kapil, who is employed abroad, said.
Sunita, originally from Kunhat village, expressed her respect for the tradition, saying, “I was aware of the tradition and made my decision without any pressure.” Her statement highlights the voluntary nature of her choice in embracing the custom.
Videos of the ceremony have since gone viral on social media, sparking renewed interest and curiosity about the centuries-old practice of polyandry in the region.
What Is Jodidara?
Jodidara is a traditional form of polyandrous marriage practiced among the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh, in which a woman marries two or more brothers. This age-old custom has deep cultural and socio-economic roots within the community.
According to Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, the practice was developed as a means to prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land among multiple heirs. “This tradition was invented thousands of years ago to save a family's agricultural land from further division,” he told PTI.
Other reasons behind the practice of Jodidara include fostering unity among brothers, preserving the joint family system, and ensuring a secure and stable environment in the remote, hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh. “If you have a bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society,” explained Shastri. He also noted that the tradition helped in managing scattered agricultural lands, which required collective effort and long-term attention.
Despite the impact of modern developments, such as rising literacy, changing socio-economic conditions, and evolving gender roles, some communities in the region continue to discreetly uphold this ancient custom through polyandrous marriages.
Another Jajda Marriage Tradition
Another tribal tradition of marriage known as "Jajda," the bride arrives at the groom’s village in a ceremonial procession. Once at the groom’s residence, a ritual called "Seenj" is performed, marking the formal solemnisation of the union.
During the ceremony, a pandit chants mantras in the local language while sprinkling holy water on the bride and groom. The ritual concludes with the offering of jaggery to the couple, symbolising the wish that their Kul Devta (family deity) blesses them with sweetness and harmony in their married life.
(With PTI Inputs)
