AIZAWL: Ziona Chana, believed to be the head of the largest family in the world is no more. He passed away on Sunday. 76-year-old Chana was undergoing treatment for old age-related ailments.
"With heavy heart, #Mizoram bid farewell to Mr. Zion-a (76), believed to head the world's largest family, with 38 wives and 89 children. Mizoram and his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family. Rest in Peace Sir," Mizoram CM Zoramthanga wrote on Twitter.
With heavy heart, #Mizoram bid farewell to Mr. Zion-a (76), believed to head the world's largest family, with 38 wives and 89 children.
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) June 13, 2021
Mizoram and his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family.
Rest in Peace Sir! pic.twitter.com/V1cHmRAOkr
Zionghaka, popularly known as Ziona, died at 3 PM at Trinity hospital in Aizawl. He had diabetes and hypertension.
Ziona Chana was the head of a religious community called 'Chana's sect' in his village. Around 400 families are members of the sect that allows polygamy for its male members.
He was born on July 21, 1945. He met his oldest wife, who is three years older than him, when he was 17, according to news agency Reuters.
His family members live in a four-storied house called 'Chhuan Thar Run' or New Generation Home with over 100 rooms in the mountainous village. His family consists of 38 wives, 89 children and 33 grandchildren.
According to a Reuters report, Ziona Chana's sons and their wives, and all their children, live in different rooms in the same building, but share a common kitchen, while his wives shared a dormitory near his private bedroom. They are supported by their own resources and occasional donations from followers.