Two brothers marry one bride in Himachal Pradesh to revive old tradition

In a rare revival of the ancient polyandry tradition, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh’s Shillai village tied the knot with a single bride in a vibrant wedding ceremony locally known as Jodidara.

Polyandry, where one woman marries multiple men, usually brothers, has been a declining practice in India, but this wedding surprised many, drawing attention on social media and local news platforms.

Sunita Chauhan, along with brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi, chose to revive the custom, saying the decision was mutual and made with full consent.

The colorful celebration featured traditional songs, dance performances, and sacred rituals, embracing the region’s cultural heritage.

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“I was fully aware of the tradition and chose it willingly,” said Sunita in a media interview. “The wedding took place with everyone's consent.”

Sunita is from Kunhat village, while her husbands belong to the Trans-Giri region in the Sirmaur district. The trio belongs to Hatti tribe. 

One of her husbands, Pradeep, a government employee, expressed pride in upholding the tradition. “We’re proud to follow our tradition openly,” he said.

Kapil, the other husband, added, “Though I live away, this marriage ensures stability, support, and love for our wife, as a united family.”

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The Jodidara tradition, though no longer widely practiced, is still socially accepted in some rural areas. Historically, it emerged as a way to prevent the fragmentation of ancestral land and promote unity among brothers in large families.

This marriage, the family believes, not only honors an old custom but also brings them financial security.