Rare Polyandry Tradition Revived in Himachal as Woman Marries Two Brothers in Hatti Tribe Wedding
Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, July 20 — In a rare revival of an old tribal tradition, Sunita Chauhan from Kunhat village tied the knot with two brothers, Pradeep and Kapil Negi, in a three-day wedding ceremony held in the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district.
The couple belongs to the Hatti tribe, a close-knit community living on the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border, where polyandry—a woman marrying more than one husband—is part of their age-old customs.
The wedding, which took place between July 12 and 14, was celebrated with folk songs, traditional dances, and the open support of the local community.
A Tradition Followed Willingly
Speaking to PTI, bride Sunita said she made the decision to marry the two brothers voluntarily and without any pressure. “I was aware of the tradition and made this choice on my own,” she shared.
Pradeep, who lives in Himachal, and his brother Kapil, who works abroad, echoed her views. “We followed the tradition proudly and made this decision together,” said Pradeep.
Kapil added, “This marriage will help build a stronger and more united family. We've always believed in openness.”
Who Are the Hatti Tribe?
The Hatti tribe was officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) three years ago. Known for their strong cultural identity, they live in the hilly regions of Sirmaur (Himachal) and parts of Uttarakhand.
Polyandry was once a common practice among the Hattis, mainly to prevent the division of ancestral land and property among siblings. Though rare today, the tradition has historical roots and was widely accepted by the community in earlier times.
With increasing education, women’s empowerment, and economic development, such marriages are now very rare. However, this wedding has brought the tradition back into public conversation.
Interestingly, Dr. Y.S. Parmar, the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, completed his Ph.D. on this very subject—"Socio-economic background of Himalayan Polyandry"—from Lucknow University, highlighting the deep cultural and historical relevance of such practices in Himalayan society.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
In a modern world where traditions often fade away, the recent wedding in Himachal’s Hatti tribe offers a glimpse into India’s diverse cultural roots. While rare, this instance of polyandry was carried out with mutual respect and openness. It serves as a reminder of how community customs can evolve while still honoring heritage.