What is Jodidara? Himachal Pradesh's unique wedding tradition, where a woman marries two brothers
A Wedding Like No Other in Shillai Village
In a recent example from Shillai village in the Trans-Giri area of Himachal's Sirmaur district, a woman named Sunita Chauhan tied the knot with two brothers—Pradeep and Kapil Negi—from the Hatti community. The three-day-long celebration, held from 12 July, was conducted openly with traditional rituals, music, and festivities. There was no secrecy surrounding the ceremony, as it was a proud public display of an age-old custom known as Jodidara, according to NDTV.
What is Jodidara and Why Do Women Marry Two Brothers?
Return of Polyandry in Himachal?हिमाचल के सिरमौर में अनोखी शादी सुर्खियों में! दो भाइयों ने एक ही दुल्हन से की शादी, गांव वालों ने पूरी स्वीकृति दी। परंपरा या बहस? 🤔#ViralWedding #HimachalNews #PolyandryTradition #UniqueWedding #ViralWedding #HattiCommunity #CultureBuzz pic.twitter.com/JW7cMT19Me
Jodidara, also referred to as Ujala Paksha, is the traditional practice of polyandry in which a woman marries two or more brothers. This form of marriage is still observed among the Hatti tribe, a close-knit community living along the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border.
The practice is believed to help preserve family unity, prevent division of ancestral land, and maintain economic stability in the hilly terrain where agriculture is the main livelihood. Under Jodidara, the wife spends time with each husband based on a mutually agreed arrangement, such as rotating nights or weeks. The family raises the children collectively, and while the eldest brother is legally recognised as the father, all brothers share parenting duties.
A Decision Made Freely and with Honour
Bride Sunita, who hails from Kunhat village, shared that she made the decision to marry both brothers willingly and with full awareness of the tradition. Groom Pradeep, a government employee, expressed pride in following his community's heritage. His younger brother Kapil, who lives and works abroad, said that this marriage symbolises their unity, transparency, and shared support for their wife.
A Custom Supported by Regional Law
While polyandry is generally not permitted under Indian law, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has recognised and upheld this tribal custom under what's locally referred to as the Jodidar Law. This gives legal support to such marriages within tribal groups like the Hattis.
The Hatti community, which was granted Scheduled Tribe status three years ago, is spread across approximately 450 villages in the Trans-Giri region. Although the tradition of Jodidara has declined over time due to modern influences, it remains alive in certain pockets. In fact, at least five similar marriages have taken place in Badhana village over the past six years.
Historical and Cultural Roots of Polyandry
The tradition of a woman marrying two brothers has roots that some believe go back to the Mahabharata era, where Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers. In the context of Himachal Pradesh, village elders claim that such marriages have long existed, though earlier they were often performed discreetly.
The key reason behind Jodidara lies in land ownership. In mountain regions where farmland is limited and precious, families prefer not to divide the land among sons. By marrying one woman to all brothers, the property remains intact, supporting the survival and prosperity of the joint family system.
Cultural Significance in Modern Times
Although rare today, Jodidara continues to be a respected practice among some Hatti families. It provides both emotional and economic stability. Brothers sharing a wife often develop stronger familial bonds, working together on the land, sharing responsibilities, and maintaining unity within the household.
Is Jodidara Legal in India?
Technically, polyandry is not legal under general Indian law. However, tribal traditions like Jodidara are protected under customary law in Himachal Pradesh. This legal exception allows tribal communities to maintain their age-old traditions, even if they differ from the rest of the country's legal framework.
The Jodidara tradition of Himachal Pradesh is more than just a unique wedding tradition; it is a glimpse into the region's cultural richness and social resilience. While modern influences are reshaping societal norms, this age-old practice of a woman marrying two brothers still finds relevance in the hills of Trans-Giri. For the Hatti community, Jodidara is not just a marriage custom—it is a symbol of unity, survival, and tradition.
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