Two brothers from the native area of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh recently married the same woman in a way that is considered strange but has deep roots in their culture. This is called “Hatti” or “Jodidara.” The event has become popular on social media and made people all over the country curious. A lot of people saw the wedding pictures and videos of the three of them, which showed the bride sitting between the two grooms during the ceremony.
What is the “Hatti” or “Jodidara” Faith?
Even though it\’s not common these days, the practice has its roots in the polyandrous customs of some tribal groups in the Trans-Giri area of Himachal Pradesh.
In the “Hatti” society, brothers often marry the same woman together, mostly to keep the family land together and avoid splitting up the property.
The word “Jodidara” refers to these kinds of shared weddings, which are most common in families with little money or land.
This custom is a bit like polyandry, which was common in places like Kinnaur, and it even has roots in the epic Mahabharata, where Draupadi married all five Pandava brothers.
Is this okay to do in India?
Technically, Indian law does not allow polyandry. This is because the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 only allows one marriage.
But these kinds of community practices aren\’t always legal. This is especially true in remote tribal belts where personal law and traditions often rule in social situations.
Legal experts say that even though these kinds of marriages aren\’t officially recognized, people may still accept them. In other words, the couple can\’t use their official legal rights under marriage law, like inheritance or spouse benefits, without more proof.
Why is the tradition still going strong?
Several social and economic factors explain why these traditions are still going strong:
Keeping family land together by not splitting it up between brothers.
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Low salary and problems with the economy.
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Traditions that go back a long way and still affect life in the country.
In some places, modern schooling and living in cities have made these kinds of traditions less common. But in some parts of the Hatti belt, especially near the Jaunsar-Bawar region in Uttarakhand and Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh, it is still sometimes useful.
How People and the Government Reacted
People have had different responses to what happened. Some on social media called it “regressive” and questioned the woman\’s rights and legality.
Others said it was their culture and personal choice and wouldn\’t hurt anyone.
As of now, neither the Himachal Pradesh government nor the local government has said anything public about whether or not the marriage is legal or what should be done about it.
