TNR News Network
SIRMAUR:
A tragic turn of events has struck the household of the two brothers from Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district who recently made headlines for marrying the same woman under the age-old Jodidaar tradition of the Hatti community.
Nearly two months after their unique wedding caught national attention, Pradeep Negi and Kapil Negi are now mourning the loss of their father, who passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. The news has cast a pall over their family and the entire village of Shillai, where the brothers live.
Family in mourning, emotional tribute shared online
The brothers took to social media to share the heartbreaking news and paid an emotional tribute to their late father. Sharing his photograph, they wrote: “Papa, life hasn’t been the same since you left. You were not just a father, but our strength, our support and world. Even now, in our most difficult moments, we draw courage from your memories. Without you, the house feels empty, and the heart incomplete.”
They further added, “Your every word now guides us like a light in the darkness. Though you’re no longer with us, your blessings and prayers continue to walk with us. We know you’re watching over us from above, standing beside us in our joys and sorrows. Miss you, Papa.”
From national spotlight to personal grief
In July, the story of Pradeep and Kapil Negi marrying a woman named Sunita drew widespread attention for reviving a centuries-old practice that still exists in parts of Sirmaur and Uttarakhand. One brother works in the state’s Jal Shakti department while the other is a chef working abroad.
Their marriage under the Jodidaar system — where multiple brothers share one wife — was widely discussed, especially in the context of preserving ancestral property without division. The practice is deeply rooted in the Hatti tribal tradition and is often linked historically to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
While their union became a symbol of cultural continuity, the unexpected demise of their father has shifted the family’s narrative from celebration to grief.
More than a thousand people have responded to their social media post, expressing condolences and support for the grieving family. The loss has deeply affected not just the household, but also the community that had recently come together in celebration.
