Shimla, July 23 -- After the rare polyandrous ceremony, locally known as Jodidara, was recently held in Shillai village of Sirmaur district, Congress ministers hailing from tribal areas have defended the tradition which has been declining over the years.

The practice took centre stage after two brothers from Hatti tribe, Pradeep and Negi, of Shillai village in Sirmaur district married Sunita Chauhan from nearby Kunhat village on July 12 with celebrations spread over three days.

"It is not a new tradition. Polyandry is a part of ancient tribal tradition and culture to keep the land undivided. It is prevalent in parts of Kinnaur and Sirmaur district," said revenue, horticulture and tribal minister Jagat Singh Negi, the MLA from the Kinnau...