Viral videos from Shillai village showcase a rare but proud cultural revival in modern India
Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), July 19 —
In a rare yet culturally rooted event that has caught national attention, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district have married the same woman, reviving the centuries-old Hatti tradition of polyandry. The wedding, which took place in Shillai village, was celebrated openly by the local community — highlighting a traditional practice that continues to persist in the remote Himalayan belt despite changing social norms.
The brothers, Pradeep Negi, who works in a government department, and Kapil Negi, who lives abroad, married Sunita Chauhan, a woman from nearby Kunhat village. The wedding festivities began on July 12 and lasted three days, featuring vibrant folk music, dances, and rituals deeply embedded in Hatti culture.
Videos of the event have gone viral on social media, sparking a debate across the country on the survival and relevance of indigenous traditions in modern Indian society.
“We Are Proud of Our Tradition”
Speaking to news agency PTI, the family emphasized that the decision was mutual and grounded in cultural pride.
“We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it, and it was a joint decision,” said Pradeep. His brother Kapil, currently working overseas, added, “Though I live abroad, through this marriage, we’re ensuring support, stability, and love for our wife as a united family. We’ve always believed in transparency.”
Sunita, the bride, confirmed that she made her decision freely and was fully aware of the tradition:
“There was no pressure on me. I chose this path out of understanding and respect for the bond I share with both brothers.”
The Hatti Community’s Ancient Bond with Polyandry
The Hatti community, predominant in the Sirmaur region, has historically practiced polyandry — a system where a woman marries multiple men, typically brothers. The practice finds its roots in the Mahabharata, with parallels drawn to Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandavas.
Polyandry in the Hatti belt traditionally serves both social and economic purposes:
- It prevents fragmentation of ancestral land among siblings.
- It ensures collective familial responsibility, with all brothers contributing to the household.
- Most importantly, it provides the woman with a sense of lifelong security, even if the eldest brother passes away.
Traditionally, only the eldest brother formally weds the woman, who is then accepted as a wife by the younger brothers. While the practice has significantly diminished due to modern legal, educational, and urban influences, it continues to survive discreetly in remote regions of the hill state.
Culture vs. Modern Law: A Complex Coexistence
While India’s legal system does not officially recognize polyandry, local communities in custom-governed tribal belts often continue to follow such traditions. This coexistence of modern law and customary practices leads to a grey area, especially in matters of inheritance, custody, and women’s rights.
Critics argue that the practice, despite being consensual in some cases, may raise concerns about women’s autonomy and legal protection. However, in communities like the Hattis, many women, like Sunita, defend the system as equitable, supportive, and rooted in mutual understanding.
Final Thoughts: A Cultural Relic or a Resilient Choice?
The wedding of Pradeep, Kapil, and Sunita has reignited conversation around India's cultural diversity, the resilience of indigenous traditions, and the agency of individuals within such systems. In an era dominated by individualism and nuclear families, this instance presents a complex yet intimate model of shared responsibility and interdependence — where marriage transcends convention and becomes a statement of unity.
While rare and often misunderstood, polyandry in regions like Sirmaur is not just a relic of the past — it's a living tradition, quietly shaping the lives of people in ways modern society is only beginning to revisit with curiosity and open-mindedness.