Two brothers and one wife: Himachal openly embraces ancient polyandry tradition
PTC News Desk: A bride, two grooms, and an age-old tradition celebrated openly — this unique and emotional wedding in Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Giri region has drawn widespread attention. Shedding light on a long-standing custom usually kept private, Pradeep Negi and Kapil Negi from Shillai village in Sirmaur district recently married Sunita Chauhan of nearby Kunhat village in a ceremony deeply rooted in the Hattee community’s cultural heritage.
Held with the full consent of all parties and the support of the local community, the event was a rare public celebration of polyandry — the traditional practice where brothers share a wife.
Pradeep, the elder sibling, works with the Jal Shakti Department, while Kapil is employed overseas in the hospitality industry. Though separated by distance in their everyday lives, the brothers united in purpose and devotion to marry Sunita, taking part equally in all the wedding ceremonies.
“This was a mutual decision,” Pradeep explained, emphasizing that “it’s about trust, care, and shared responsibility. We chose to honour our tradition openly because we take pride in our heritage.
The bride, Sunita, said, “This was my choice. I was never pressured. I know this tradition, and I chose it willingly. We’ve made this commitment together, and I believe in the bond we’ve formed.”
While such marital arrangements are quietly practised in various villages of the region, this is among the few cases where the tradition has been embraced openly.
“There are around over three dozen families in our village alone where two or three brothers have one wife, or one husband has multiple wives,” said Bishan Tomar, a resident of Shillai village. “But those marriages happen quietly. This one stood out for its honesty and the dignity with which it was celebrated.”
- PTC NEWS
