An Indian concept prevalent among Hindus is not commonly followed in Northeast India. In this Christian dominated part of the country, people are usually more educated and ‘westernized’. But Ziona Chana from Mizoram thinks ‘differently’.

Chana is the ‘proud’ head of a jumbo sized family of 39 wives, 94 children, 14-daughters-in-laws and 33 grandchildren.


To accommodate his huge family he has constructed a 100-room, four storey building in Baktwang village. It almost looks like a hotel.


And how much does this jumbo family consume? One time meal – 60 KG potatoes, Over 100 KG rice and 30 chickens!

Chana thanks God for giving him a huge family to look after and considers himself ‘lucky.’

He sleeps in his own double-bedded room while his wives have to adjust in dormitories. The younger wives stay in rooms closer to his room.

And how often does a wife get to sleep with Chana? – A ‘rotation system’ is maintained, he says.

Surprisingly, all the wives get along very well and there is hardly any infighting among them.

Mr Chana is not finished yet. “To expand my family, I am willing to go even to the United States to marry” he proudly says.

Coincidentally, Mr Chana is also head of a sect that allows members to take as many wives as he wants.