Hatti Brothers’ Polyandrous Wedding Sparks Cultural Debate in Himachal Pradesh

The rich tapestry of Indian culture often reveals traditions unfamiliar to the mainstream. A recent wedding in Himachal Pradesh’s Kunhat village, involving brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi marrying the same woman, Sunita Chauhan, has ignited both fascination and controversy. Defending their union as an act of cultural preservation, the brothers from the Hatti community participated in the ancient ritual of Jodidar Pratha, a form of fraternal polyandry practiced for generations in specific Himalayan regions.

The three-day wedding ceremony, held between July 12 and 14, 2025, was steeped in tribal rituals and community participation. However, the celebration was soon overshadowed by a wave of online trolling and abuse directed at the newlyweds. Responding to the backlash, the brothers took to their YouTube channel to explain and defend their decision, emphasizing its deep roots in their heritage.

What is Jodidar Pratha?

Jodidar Pratha refers specifically to the practice of fraternal polyandry, where brothers marry the same wife. The Negi brothers, belonging to the Shillai Thindo family within the Hatti tribe, stressed that their marriage was not an anomaly but a continuation of a long-standing custom. “We are promoting our culture, our traditions and customs,” they stated firmly in their video. They highlighted that similar practices exist in neighbouring regions like Jaunsar-Bawar in Uttarakhand, where both grooms exchange garlands with the bride during the wedding ceremony.

Addressing their critics directly, the brothers delivered a poignant message: “You have mothers, sisters, daughters at home. Don’t think that you are abusing us. We are happy, living our lives joyfully. Those abuses are actually directed at your own mothers, sisters, daughters. We are giving prominence to our culture and traditions. We thank those who support us. Those who don’t know about our culture are the ones spreading ignorance. The marriage was performed so that tomorrow, there won’t be disputes between us.”

Was Consent Part of the Hatti Brothers’ Wedding?

A crucial point addressed by Pradeep and Kapil was the issue of consent. They asserted that their marriage to Sunita was a mutual decision involving all parties and families. “Our marriage was a mutual decision,” they explained. “Our family agreed, we agreed, and no one in our village has a problem.” They clarified that Sunita’s family also consented to the arrangement, and the wedding strictly adhered to the norms accepted within their village and community. Anthropological studies, such as those referenced by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), have documented polyandry in specific Himalayan communities like the Hatti and Jaunsari, often linked to land preservation and resource management in challenging mountainous terrains.

The brothers expressed their desire for peace, stating they felt no shame in upholding their traditions. “Let us live peacefully,” Pradeep urged. “We are members of the Hatti community and are enjoying our lives with utmost joy.” They denied any motive of seeking fame through their marriage or subsequent social media presence. Their primary aim, they reiterated, was to preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage in the face of misunderstanding.

The Negi brothers’ marriage underscores the vast diversity of marital customs across India’s communities. While Jodidar Pratha may challenge mainstream perspectives, it represents a centuries-old tradition for the Hatti people. Their stand highlights the tension between cultural preservation and modern societal norms, demanding greater understanding of the complex social fabric that defines regions like Himachal Pradesh. Respect for cultural diversity remains paramount as such traditions navigate the modern world.

Must Know

1. What is Jodidar Pratha in Himachal Pradesh?
   Jodidar Pratha is a traditional custom practiced primarily within the Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh, involving fraternal polyandry. This means multiple brothers marry the same woman. It’s considered an ancient tradition aimed at preserving family land holdings and unity, documented in specific regions like Sirmaur district.
2. Why did the Hatti brothers marry the same woman?
   Pradeep and Kapil Negi stated their primary motivation was to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, the Jodidar Pratha tradition. They emphasized it was a mutual decision involving themselves, their wife Sunita Chauhan, and both families, consistent with longstanding community norms.
3. Is polyandry legal in India?
   Indian law, specifically the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), generally prohibits polygamy and polyandry. However, certain tribal communities with distinct customary laws, like the Hatti in Himachal Pradesh and Jaunsari in Uttarakhand, have historically practiced forms of polyandry (Jodidar Pratha), which exist in a complex legal and social space often recognized locally.
4. Where is the Hatti tribe located?
   The Hatti tribe primarily inhabits the trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district. Their communities are found in areas bordering Uttarakhand. They have distinct cultural traditions, governance systems (like the Khumbli), and practices, including the Jodidar Pratha.
5. Did the Hatti brothers face backlash for their wedding?
   Yes. Following news of their polyandrous marriage, Pradeep and Kapil Negi faced significant online trolling and abuse on social media platforms. This prompted them to release a video explaining their cultural reasons for the marriage and appealing for understanding and respect.
6. What was the community reaction to the Jodidar marriage?
   According to the Negi brothers, their immediate community in Kunhat village and their families had no objections to the marriage conducted under Jodidar Pratha. They stated the wedding was performed with full consent and adherence to local customs, and support existed within their community alongside the external criticism.