TV
In a remote Himachal Pradesh village, a rare marriage stirred nationwide curiosity and heated online debate. Brothers Pradeep and Kapil Negi, belonging to the Hatti tribe, wed the same woman in a traditional Jodidara ceremony, a centuries-old practice still recognised under local revenue laws.
While the unique union has deep cultural roots, it has also sparked waves of criticism and fascination on social media. Now, the brothers are breaking their silence to set the record straight.
Jodidara’ Tradition Runs Deep
Hailing from Shillai village in Sirmaur district, the brothers tied the knot with the same woman under the centuries-old Jodidara or Jodidar Pratha. The polyandrous custom, though rare, is still recognised under Himachal’s revenue laws and continues to be practised in parts of Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar-Bawar region as well.
“This Jodidar Pratha has been going on for generations. It is not new. It has been practised before and continues even now,” said Pradeep Negi in a Facebook video.
A Marriage of Mutual Consent
Kapil stressed that the marriage was not imposed by tradition but was a mutual decision. “We got married with our consent. Both families agreed. We weren’t forced into this,” he said. The ceremony, held on July 12, was attended by hundreds of villagers.
Facing Social Media Backlash
The couple’s photos and videos quickly spread online, prompting abusive comments. “Many people are abusing us. I want to tell them — we are happy with our lives and are promoting our tradition and culture,” said Pradeep.
Not for Fame, But for Family
The brothers also revealed they come from a poor background and had no desire for publicity. “We didn’t marry to become famous. We didn’t even plan to make a Facebook page. The news just spread across India,” Kapil explained.
Despite the criticism, the couple and their families remain steadfast, calling their marriage a personal choice rooted in cultural heritage.
