National News: A unique wedding from the Shillai region in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district has become a topic of national conversation, where two real brothers married the same woman. While the marriage has sparked social curiosity, it has also emerged as a proud reflection of an age-old cultural tradition—polyandry.
Pradeep & Kapil Revive Polyandry Tradition
Pradeep Negi and his younger brother Kapil Negi, residents of Shillai village, married Sunita Chauhan of neighboring Kunhat village in a joint wedding ceremony. Held over three days, the event was attended by around 4,000 people from nearby villages. More than just an unusual social event, this wedding brought the centuries-old custom of polyandry—where a woman marries multiple men of the same family—into the public eye.
Celebrated Openly, Not in Secrecy
Local elders shared that such marriages are not new to the region but have traditionally been conducted quietly, away from public attention. This time, however, Pradeep and Kapil chose to celebrate their union openly and with grandeur, breaking the long-standing silence around the practice. The festivities ran from July 11 to July 13, complete with folk music, dance, local cuisine, and traditional rituals—creating a festive, inclusive atmosphere.
Meet the Bride and Grooms
- Pradeep Negi works with the Jal Shakti Department in Himachal Pradesh.
- Kapil Negi is employed in a hotel in Bahrain.
- Sunita Chauhan, the bride, is from Kunhat village and expressed her full support for the marriage.
“We made this decision willingly and with full understanding of our tradition. There was no pressure on any of us,” she said.
A Joint Decision Built on Consent
After the wedding, Pradeep told the media, “This decision was made jointly by all three of us. We didn’t just follow a tradition—we embraced our cultural roots and the value of living in a joint family.” Kapil added, “Even though I work abroad, this marriage allows me to stay connected to my family and culture. I feel proud to be part of this heritage.”
Village Reactions: Bold Step in Modern Times
Villagers and elders have applauded the decision. Local resident Bishan Tomar said the wedding set an example by honoring tradition in a respectful and public manner.
Elder Heera Singh commented,
“Earlier, such marriages were kept under wraps. But Pradeep and Kapil have made history by following tradition with openness and dignity. In doing so, they’ve sent a strong message to the educated society of the 21st century.”
Polyandry: Legal and Cultural Framework
In such marriages, only the elder brother is considered the legal husband, and the marriage is officially registered in his name. However, both brothers share equal familial roles.
- The first child is registered under the name of the elder brother.
- The second child, if born, is typically registered under the name of the younger brother.
- This system has been informally practiced in some Himalayan communities for generations.
A Tradition, A Statement
The polyandrous marriage in Shillai stands as more than a cultural custom—it is a social message. It proves that traditions can be practiced with dignity, transparency, and mutual consent. While such practices may appear unusual in modern urban settings, they are deeply rooted and respected in the Himalayan way of life.
