Two brothers marry the same woman in Himachal: What is the age old custom of Hatti?

Time of India

2 days ago

India is well known across the world for its diverse cultures and traditions, where each state has cultures woven deep into the fabric of time, belief, history, and rich legacy.
Following the same traditions in Himachal Pradesh, a recent marriage in Shillai village of the state has caught national attention.
In a culturally rich three-day ceremony, two brothers from a specific tribe married the same woman, following an age-old custom.
Surprisingly, the decision was openly embraced rather than hidden, inviting us to know how impactfully a cultural practice can shape community values and family life in the remote regions.
What exactly happened?
Recently, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh's Hatti tribe, named Pradeep and Kapil Negi, married the same woman, Sunita Chauhan of Kunhat village, by a culturally important polyandrous ceremony.
The three-day event was held in Shillai village of Sirmaur district and saw hundreds of villagers participate along with performances of folk songs, traditional dances, and local rituals, as per local reports.
According to reports from PTI, the couple stressed that the decision was mutual and made without external pressure. 'We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it and it was a joint decision,' Pradeep shared, while Kapil added, 'We're ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family… We've always believed in transparency'.
Sunita also said that her participation was voluntary. She said she was aware of the Hatti custom locally called 'Jodidara' or 'Jajda' and became a part of the union willingly, respecting the bond they had formed.
What is this tradition all about?
Polyandry in the Hatti community arose to prevent division of ancestral farmland, maintain family unity, and ensure joint responsibility in remote, agrarian settings. As Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, explained, this tradition allowed for stronger security and unity among brothers working scattered plots in the mountainous terrain, 'If you have a bigger family, more men, you are more secure in a tribal society'.
Although this practice remains rare today, it remains legally recognised under Himachal Pradesh's revenue laws as 'Jodidara.'
Is polygamy legal in India?
Although polyandry is not legally sanctioned under the Hindu Marriage Act, customary exceptions are allowed for certain tribal communities. The Hatti people were granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2022, providing limited legal protection for such customs.