Ziona Chana, head of the world's largest family passes away at 76

AIZWAL: The head of the world's largest family Ziona Chana passed away on Sunday due to kidney failure and other complications at Trinity Hospital in Aizwal.

Known for holding a world record as the head of the "world's largest existing family" with 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law , 33 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, 181 family members in total and counting, Ziona was 76 at the time of his death.

Also Read: Maharashtra man claims to develop magnetic power after getting second dose of COVID vaccine

Ziona is chief of the group known as "Chana Pawl", which was established by his father. The sect practices polygamy.Chana sect followers claim that its origin is traced to the Bible's Revelation Chapter 20 to "Kum Sang Rorel" or the rule of 1,000 years by Jesus Christ on Earth. The sect was originally named Khuangtuaha Pawl, after the founder Khuangtuaha.

He founded it on 12 June 1942, when its disciples were removed from Hmawngkawn village by the headman of the village for propagating a theology considered "wrong and dangerous". The sect celebrates its founding day as "Bawkte Kut" or the festival of the hut on 12 June every year. Members of the Chana sect number about 2,000 who reside in the Baktawng Tlangnuam village.

Ziona hails from the village of Baktawng in central Serchhip district, Mizoram. which is 100 kilometres (62 mi) to the south of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. He was born on 21 July 1945. He married at the age of 17 to Zathiangi, his first wife, who is older than him by three years. She controls the household activities of the family with strict discipline. Ten of his wives he married in the span of one year.

Story of Ziona's family has traveled far and wide. According to reports, the family can, somewhat bafflingly, consume as much as 100 kilos of rice, and 70 kilos of potatoes in a single day.

Localities close to the family told Inside Northeast that his 39 wives sleep in the dormitory and they are a close-knit family. Household chores are also divided among the womenfolk of the family.

Follow us on Facebook