Unique Wedding Ceremony in Himachal Pradesh

In a remarkable event, two brothers from the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district married the same woman, Sunita Chauhan, in a public ceremony attended by thousands. The wedding took place in the Trans-Giri region, beginning on July 12, and spanned three days. It was marked by traditional folk songs, dances, and rituals that are unique to the Hatti culture. Sunita Chauhan, hailing from Kunhat village, married Pradeep and Kapil Negi of Shillai under the polyandrous practice known locally as “Jodidara.” She emphasized that the decision was mutual and free from any external pressure.

Understanding ‘Jodidara’ in Himachal Pradesh

Jodidara is a traditional form of fraternal polyandry practiced among the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Giri region. This custom involves two or more brothers sharing one wife and has historical roots linked to the Mahabharata, where Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers. Locally, it is also referred to as Ujla Paksh or Jodidaran. The practice is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Hatti community.

The Practice and Its Purpose

Under Jodidara, the wife alternates between brothers on a mutually agreed schedule, which could be nightly or weekly. The family collectively raises any children born from the marriage. Typically, the eldest brother is recognized as the legal father, but all siblings share parenting duties. This practice helps prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land in Himachal’s hilly regions, where agriculture is vital for survival. By marrying a single woman to multiple brothers, families maintain undivided property and avoid splitting it among heirs.

Legal Status and Cultural Significance

While Indian law generally prohibits polyandry, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has acknowledged and protected this custom under “Jodidar Law,” allowing it to continue among tribal groups. The Hatti community views this tradition as an essential cultural marker. Living across approximately 450 villages in the Trans-Giri area, they were granted Scheduled Tribe status partly due to their unique traditions like Jodidaran. Despite modern influences leading to its decline, Jodidara persists in small pockets. Over the past six years, five polyandrous marriages have been solemnized in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region, keeping this age-old custom alive.