Himachal Woman Marries Two Brothers
In Himachal Pradesh, a tribal woman from the Hatti community has married two brothers, reviving the community’s old polyandry tradition with full public support.
In the past few months, ISH News has reported many shocking stories of women killing their husbands. But now, a surprising and positive story has come from Himachal Pradesh, where a tribal woman has legally married two brothers.
Sunita Chauhan, a young woman from Kunhat village, got married to two brothers, Pradeep and Kapil Negi. They all belong to the Hatti tribal community, which lives in the Shillai area of Himachal Pradesh. This community is known for its unique lifestyle, including traditional clothes, food, and customs like polyandry — a system where one woman marries more than one man.
The wedding was not a secret. It was celebrated in full public view from 12th to 14th July, with traditional folk music, tribal dances, and customs. The entire village was invited, and hundreds of people attended. The couple proudly brought back the age-old tradition of polyandry, which had slowly disappeared because of modern laws.
This kind of marriage is locally known as “Jodidara” or “Ujala Paksha.” In this tradition, a woman marries two or more brothers from the same family. The main idea was to keep the family united and stop the division of farmland among brothers.
Soon after the wedding, videos of the ceremony went viral on social media and people all over India started talking about it. Many were curious if this marriage was done by choice and if it was respectful.
Sunita, the bride, clearly told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that she knew about the tradition and marrying both brothers was her own decision. She was not forced or pressured in any way. Pradeep and Kapil also said it was a mutual decision and they felt proud to follow their culture while staying together as one family.
Many people wondered if this kind of marriage is legal in India. Under the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) and the Special Marriage Act, polyandry is not allowed. But in tribal areas, things are different. The Hatti tribe is listed as a Scheduled Tribe, and their traditional customs — including polyandry — are protected by tribal laws. Indian courts have even accepted such marriages in the past, as long as they follow proper community customs.
This story shows how different parts of India follow their own traditions and beliefs, which are often very old and meaningful to them.
What do you think about this marriage? Share your thoughts in the comments!
