‘Don't judge what you don't understand’: Himachal brothers defend polyandrous marriage

Two brothers from Shillai village in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district who drew national attention after marrying the same woman under 'Jodidar Pratha', an age-old tradition still practised in parts of the Himalayas, spoke publicly for the first time since their marriage made headlines.

As per a report by The Tribune, Pradeep and Kapil Negi explained that their union follows a long-standing custom in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakhand, where multiple brothers wed one woman to prevent division of family property.

The brothers, residents of Thindo village, married Sunita from Kunhat in a traditional ceremony held between July 12 and 14. The families consented to the arrangement, which adheres to local rituals. The couple clarified that their marriage was not for publicity but a personal and cultural choice.

“This tradition has been followed for centuries and continues in our region and in places like Jaunsar-Bawar,” said Pradeep Negi, an employee of the state’s Jal Shakti Department, as cited by The Tribune. “In many such weddings, both brothers exchange garlands with the bride. It is part of our culture.”

Kapil Negi, a chef working abroad, emphasised that the marriage was entirely consensual. “This was not forced. All three of us agreed to this and both our families supported the decision,” he was quoted by The Tribune as saying.

Despite criticism on social media, the brothers remain unshaken. “Some people are abusing us online, but that doesn’t bother me,” Pradeep said. “We’re proud of our culture. People who don’t understand our traditions should not judge. We chose this path out of love and to stay together.”

‘Jodidar Pratha’, though legally recognised, has become rare due to urbanisation and changing social norms. Anthropologists note that such polyandrous traditions historically ensured landholdings remained intact in resource-scarce mountainous regions.

While the Negis' marriage has sparked debate, similar unions still occur discreetly in remote Himalayan villages. The brothers’ marriage gained traction after local media coverage, with social media users divided over the ethics of the tradition. The Negi brothers, however, stand firm.