Aizawl: Ziona Chana, who is believed to head one of the world’s largest families, with 38 wives, 89 children and 33 grandchildren from Mizoram, passed away at a private hospital here on Sunday. He was 76. An official of Aizawl district administration said that Chana was unwell since June 7 and a few days back admitted to a private hospital in the capital city after his diabetes, hypertension and other old age related problems deteriorated and breathed his last on Sunday afternoon.
“The last rites and other related events would be finalised in consultation with his family members,” the official said. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga in a tweet said: “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! (sic).”
Born on July 21, 1945, Zionghaka, commonly known as Ziona Chana was the head of a Christian religious community in his village Baktawng Tlangnuam, around 100 km from Aizawl. His family sources said that Ziona met his oldest wife, who is three years older than he was, when he was 17.
Ziona’s family of around 1,000 members live in a four-storied house called ‘Chhuan Thar Run’ (New Generation Home) with over 100 rooms in the hilly village. The mansion of Ziona has a akhualbuk’ (guesthouse) to lodge relatives and visitors. There is a school and playground almost exclusively for the big Christian family.