India is home to diverse people with varied cultures and some places in this beautiful country come as a wonder to many. These special places may include heritage art villages or some special rarely known spots famous for housing medicinal plants that heal ailments. Some cities house numerous monuments and sites that are sacred according to mythology. But did you know that there is a village in India that is famously known as ‘The Twin Village’ and it’s surprising to know that it actually stands true to its name!
The village of Kodinhi , which is situated in Kerala, houses a crazy fact that has surprised not only the tourists but also the scientists. The village has a population of around 2,000 families, and it is home to over 450 pairs of twins!
Often referred to as the 'Twin Town', Kodinhi has got the title of being a paradox in reality and attracted the interest of people globally. This unusually high twin number raises questions about genetics, environment, and even spiritual beliefs. But what makes Kodinhi so special? And why do the people in this village continue to see twin births at such a surprising rate?
The village of twins
Surprisingly, the number of twin pairs in this village are far exceeding than the national average for twin births in India, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down and more twins are born every year. The pattern is consistent and unlike anything seen elsewhere, making Kodinhi one of the most interesting places in India when it comes to genetic anomalies.
Locals attribute the high number of twin births to blessings of a deity
The people of Kodinhi have their own theories about the origins of the high twin births in the village, for some villagers, the high twin birth rate is the blessing of a local deity, while others believe the village’s waters possess mystical properties that promote fertility. These beliefs also give another perspective to how people see this phenomenon which is deeply rooted in the village's deep cultural and spiritual history
According to Mirage, a villager said, “The idea that twins are a gift, a blessing bestowed upon us, has been passed down through generations. It's part of what makes Kodinhi special.”
Scientists have led researchers to unwind this magic
Scientists have also conducted research to find the answer to this mystery. In October 2016, a team of researchers from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), and institutions in London and Germany visited Kodinhi to investigate its unusual twin birth phenomenon.
They collected saliva and hair samples from the twins to study their DNA. As per reports by The News Minute Prof. E Preetham of KUFOS explains, "While many say that it is genetic, there are also speculations that a particular element in the air or water in the village could be the cause of this phenomenon." One important factor that has been considered is genetics, as twin births are often hereditary. However, in Kodinhi, many of the twin births occur in families with no previous history of twins.
Kondingi is not the only village where twin births are common!
Kodinhi is not the only place where twin births are unusually common, as there are similar reports from places like Cândido Godói in Brazil and Igbo-Ora in Nigeria. These towns also have high twin birth rates, though researchers have yet to find a definitive explanation. Some suggest that local diets or certain chemical compounds could play a role in these phenomena. For example, in Igbo-Ora, researchers believe that a specific chemical in the peel of a locally consumed tuber might influence twin births.
The village has an annual festival to celebrate it’s speciality
The twin phenomenon has also left a lasting impact on the social fabric of Kodinhi. The village celebrates its unique identity with an annual twin festival, where families of twins come together, share stories, and celebrate their uniqueness. This celebration not only strengthens community bonds but also highlights the social and cultural significance of being a twin in Kodinhi.
In 2008, around 30 pairs of twins and their families formed the Twins and Kins Association to address the unique challenges faced by those born as multiples, particularly focusing on education and health. The association has since then become a support network, helping to amplify issues that affect twins in the village.
The village of Kodinhi , which is situated in Kerala, houses a crazy fact that has surprised not only the tourists but also the scientists. The village has a population of around 2,000 families, and it is home to over 450 pairs of twins!
Often referred to as the 'Twin Town', Kodinhi has got the title of being a paradox in reality and attracted the interest of people globally. This unusually high twin number raises questions about genetics, environment, and even spiritual beliefs. But what makes Kodinhi so special? And why do the people in this village continue to see twin births at such a surprising rate?
The village of twins
Surprisingly, the number of twin pairs in this village are far exceeding than the national average for twin births in India, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down and more twins are born every year. The pattern is consistent and unlike anything seen elsewhere, making Kodinhi one of the most interesting places in India when it comes to genetic anomalies.
Locals attribute the high number of twin births to blessings of a deity
The people of Kodinhi have their own theories about the origins of the high twin births in the village, for some villagers, the high twin birth rate is the blessing of a local deity, while others believe the village’s waters possess mystical properties that promote fertility. These beliefs also give another perspective to how people see this phenomenon which is deeply rooted in the village's deep cultural and spiritual history
According to Mirage, a villager said, “The idea that twins are a gift, a blessing bestowed upon us, has been passed down through generations. It's part of what makes Kodinhi special.”
قرية التوأم في الهند
— عادل علي بن علي (@AdelAliBinAli) October 16, 2016
قرية يسكنها ٢٠٠٠ عائلة فقط
وفيها ٢٢٠ حالة توأم ( ٤٤٠ شخص ) pic.twitter.com/5H45mqRnFn
Scientists have led researchers to unwind this magic
Scientists have also conducted research to find the answer to this mystery. In October 2016, a team of researchers from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), and institutions in London and Germany visited Kodinhi to investigate its unusual twin birth phenomenon.
They collected saliva and hair samples from the twins to study their DNA. As per reports by The News Minute Prof. E Preetham of KUFOS explains, "While many say that it is genetic, there are also speculations that a particular element in the air or water in the village could be the cause of this phenomenon." One important factor that has been considered is genetics, as twin births are often hereditary. However, in Kodinhi, many of the twin births occur in families with no previous history of twins.
Kondingi is not the only village where twin births are common!
Kodinhi is not the only place where twin births are unusually common, as there are similar reports from places like Cândido Godói in Brazil and Igbo-Ora in Nigeria. These towns also have high twin birth rates, though researchers have yet to find a definitive explanation. Some suggest that local diets or certain chemical compounds could play a role in these phenomena. For example, in Igbo-Ora, researchers believe that a specific chemical in the peel of a locally consumed tuber might influence twin births.
This is Igbo-ora the twin capital of the world where everyone is a twin, this town is located in oyo state Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/uW6qQYkJFW
— Typical African (@Joe__Bassey) November 12, 2024
The village has an annual festival to celebrate it’s speciality
The twin phenomenon has also left a lasting impact on the social fabric of Kodinhi. The village celebrates its unique identity with an annual twin festival, where families of twins come together, share stories, and celebrate their uniqueness. This celebration not only strengthens community bonds but also highlights the social and cultural significance of being a twin in Kodinhi.
In 2008, around 30 pairs of twins and their families formed the Twins and Kins Association to address the unique challenges faced by those born as multiples, particularly focusing on education and health. The association has since then become a support network, helping to amplify issues that affect twins in the village.
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