Men Marrying Men in Himachal’s Freezing Winter: Inside a Century-Old Tradition You’ve Never Heard Of

Himachal (The Uttam Hindu): In a remote part of Himachal Pradesh, a unique winter ritual has been practiced for generations, one where local men symbolically “marry” each other as a part of an ancient cultural custom. This tradition, observed during the peak of winter when temperatures drop drastically, has nothing to do with romance. Instead, it is deeply tied to mythology, brotherhood, and community bonding.

According to local folklore, the ritual began centuries ago to honor two legendary warriors who vowed eternal friendship. To symbolize solidarity during harsh winters, men began performing mock marriage ceremonies, which include exchanging garlands, offering sweets, and wearing traditional attire. Villagers believe the ritual brings protection from natural calamities and promotes unity during the most challenging season of the year.

The ritual ends with a community feast, songs, and dances performed around bonfires. Though unusual to outsiders, villagers see it as a proud reminder of their heritage. In recent years, travelers and cultural researchers have shown great interest in this rare practice, and videos of the ceremony often go viral on social media.

Despite modern changes, the community insists on preserving the ritual in its original form, calling it a celebration of loyalty, resilience, and tradition in the face of nature’s toughest months.