New Delhi, Aug. 9 -- Two brothers from Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district have defended their decision to marry the same woman, saying the arrangement follows a centuries-old community tradition.

Pradeep Negi and Kapil Negi, from Shillai's Thindo family, married Sunita Chauhan of Kunhat village last month under the 'Jodidar Pratha'-- a form of fraternal polyandry practised among the Hatti community in the Trans-Giri region. The custom, also known locally as 'Jodidara,' is followed in certain parts of Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakhand.

In a video posted on Facebook, elder brother Pradeep said the practice is "deeply rooted in culture" and is not a matter of personal publicity. "This is our tradition, and we are not ashamed o...