Ziona Chana of Mizoram, a world record holder of a different type with 38 wives and 89 children, has died on June 13, confirmed chief minister Zoramthanga. He was 76.
Ziona who also had 33 grandchildren was believed to be the head of the world’s largest family.
After confirming the demise of Ziona, the CM Zoramthanga said that “his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family.”
“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,” he said. “Rest in Peace Sir!” said Zoramthanga in a tweet.
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! pic.twitter.com/V1cHmRAOkr— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) June 13, 2021
Zionghaka, popularly known as Ziona, died at 3 pm at Trinity hospital in Aizawl. He had diabetes and hypertension. Doctors attending Ziona said that he was undergoing treatment at his residence in Baktawng village for three days. But his condition deteriorated and he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Ziona 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 he is, 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.