What’s in the News

In a remarkable event that has sparked curiosity and conversation across Himachal Pradesh and beyond, two brothers from the Hatti tribe tied the knot with a single woman in Shillai village of Sirmaur district. The three-day-long ceremony, which began on July 12, was steeped in tribal customs, vibrant folk songs, and dances. Hundreds gathered to witness this rare traditional practice — a polyandrous marriage — solemnised under the age-old custom of “Jodidara”, recognised under Himachal Pradesh’s revenue laws.

This isn’t an isolated incident. In Badhana village of the Trans-Giri region, five such marriages have taken place over the past six years. The wedding comes at a time when such traditions are quietly fading, yet its open celebration has drawn admiration for reviving a practice that is both cultural and deeply functional in its origins.

Understanding Polyandry in Tribal Societies

Polyandry — a form of marriage in which a woman marries two or more men, often brothers — has been part of several Himalayan tribal communities, including the Hatti tribe in Sirmaur, the Jaunsar-Bawar region in Uttarakhand, and the tribal district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.

Historically, polyandry served as a socio-economic solution. In mountainous and agrarian communities where cultivable land is limited and family unity essential, polyandry helped prevent the fragmentation of ancestral property.

1. Preventing Land Fragmentation
   In hilly terrain with scarce arable land, polyandry helped keep family resources intact across generations. Instead of subdividing land among heirs, families retained undivided holdings under a single household.
2. Maintaining Family Unity and Security
   A shared marriage strengthened bonds among brothers (even half‑brothers), promoted cooperation, and provided enhanced economic and social security in remote tribal areas.
3. Collective Parenting and Household Management
   Children born in such unions are raised collectively, with the eldest brother often recognised as the legal father, though all siblings share parenting duties jointly

It also helped manage the arduous demands of high-altitude agriculture. With multiple adult men in the household, families could tend to scattered farmlands more efficiently, while also securing the household from external threats or economic instability.

The Tradition of “Jajda” and the Ritual of “Seenj”

The polyandrous marriage in the Hatti community is locally known as “Jajda”. It is not just a familial arrangement but a ceremonial event infused with cultural significance. The bride arrives in a traditional procession, much like any other marriage. A sacred ritual called “Seenj” is performed at the groom’s residence, where a local priest chants mantras, sprinkles holy water, and offers jaggery to the couple — symbolising a sweet, blessed union under the watch of the Kul Devta (ancestral deity).

These customs highlight that polyandrous marriages are not clandestine or makeshift arrangements but deeply rooted rituals, passed down generations with a sense of reverence and legitimacy.

Changing Times, Fading Practices

Despite its historical relevance, polyandry is on the decline. Elders in the Trans-Giri area acknowledge that the practice is becoming increasingly rare. Rising literacy, especially among women, along with economic upliftment and individual property rights, have contributed to this shift. The idea of collective landholding has weakened with the growing importance of nuclear families and personal autonomy.

Still, the tradition hasn’t disappeared entirely. Some marriages are conducted quietly with community approval but without the earlier level of public acknowledgment. That’s what makes the recent open ceremony so significant — a community standing by its heritage without apology or secrecy.

Symbolism in the Modern Context

The Hatti community, granted Scheduled Tribe status three years ago, has found renewed socio-political visibility. The public celebration of this polyandrous marriage can be seen not only as a nod to tribal identity but also as a bold assertion of cultural continuity. It reflects a younger generation’s willingness to honour ancestral practices, not out of compulsion but by conscious choice — governed by consent, mutual understanding, and dignity.

Beyond cultural symbolism, such practices spark larger debates about land inheritance, gender roles, and the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in modern India. Rather than being dismissed as regressive, traditions like polyandry deserve nuanced discussion — especially when they stem from practical needs and evolve with time.

Conclusion

The marriage in Shillai village is more than just a wedding; it’s a moment of cultural affirmation. It forces society to look beyond conventional frameworks and reconsider the value of community-led solutions to social and economic issues. In an era of rapid homogenisation, such indigenous traditions serve as reminders of India’s diverse and pluralistic heritage — where even the most unconventional customs can find space, meaning, and respect.

Dive Deeper: More Reading

For a comprehensive overview of polyandry in Himachal Pradesh, you can explore this detailed article: Polyandry marriage system in Himachal Pradesh – Joktacademy