Ziona, who has 38 wives and 89 children, turns 72

This Mizo is believed to head the 'world's largest family'

Some of the family members of Ziona pose for a group photograph in Baktawng village in Mizoram, in this October 7, 2011 file photo. Ziona is the head of a religious sect called "Chana," which allows polygamy and was founded by his father Chana in 1942. Ziona has 38 wives, 89 children and a large number of grandchildren.

Ziona, who is believed to head the world’s largest family in the world with 38 wives and 89 children, on Thursday celebrated his 72nd birthday at Baktawng Tlangnuam village in central Mizoram’s Serchhip district.

A religious community called ‘Chana’s sect’ organised dances, parade and singing of hymns composed by Mr. Ziona himself to mark the day and the celebration was completed with a community feast by over 2,100-strong sect. Mr. Ziona, who heads the ‘Chana’s sect’, has 38 wives, 89 children and a large number of grandchildren.

From 1959 to 2004

The Mizo married his first wife in 1959 at the age of 15 and the last one in 2004 when he was 60. The total, 162 family members occupy a four-storey house called ‘Chhuan Thar Run’ or New Generation Home. The village has become a major tourist attraction in the State because of the family.