Family (L to R) Mr Akash Ambani, Mrs Shloka Ambani, Mr Anant Ambani, Mrs Radhika Ambani, Mr Mukesh Ambani, Mrs Nita Ambani, Mr Anand Piramal, Mrs Isha Ambani
A year has passed since the union of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, a wedding that resonated far beyond India’s borders. Their 2024 nuptials were not merely a family celebration but an extraordinary cultural milestone—broadcast worldwide and symbolizing India’s profound spiritual and cultural legacy. Millions around the world tuned in, captivated by the grace and depth of the rituals, which unfolded seamlessly across traditional and digital media.
The Sacred Essence of Hindu Marriage
In Hinduism, marriage transcends a social contract to represent a sacred, lifelong commitment. It unites two souls, their families, and their communities in a spiritual bond, sanctified by age-old traditions and rituals. Hindu marriage fulfills both personal aspirations and religious responsibilities (dharma), contributing to the social and cosmic order.
In today’s fast-paced world, many weddings forego some ancient customs for convenience. However, Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani chose to embrace every aspect of these time-honored traditions with sincerity and devotion. Their commitment to preserving these rituals, guided by elders and spiritual leaders, sent a powerful message across the globe about the enduring beauty of Indian culture.
Elevating India’s Global Presence
As India asserts its leadership across technology, finance, and industry, this spiritual and meticulously planned celebration further positioned the country as a global epicenter of culture and spirituality. The distinguished guest list—comprising renowned personalities from politics, business, and the arts—reflected India’s growing stature in the global community.
The Ambani family’s ability to host such a diverse and illustrious gathering showcased their vision of fostering deep international ties and positioning India as a key player on the world stage.
A Gathering of Spiritual and Global Luminaries
The wedding brought together an extraordinary congregation of spiritual leaders from across Hindu traditions—perhaps the largest such assembly at a private event in recent memory. Dharmagurus attending the festivities included:
- Swami Sadananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya, Dwarka
- Swami Avimukteshwarand Saraswati, Shankaracharya, Joshimath
- Gaurang Das Prabhu, Divisional Director, ISKCON
- Gaur Gopal Das, Monk, ISKCON
- Radhanath Swami, Member, Governing Body, ISKCON
- Pujyashri Rameshbhai Oza
- Gautambhai Oza
- Pujyashri Devaprasad Maharaj
- Vijuben Rajani, Shree Anandabawa Seva Sanstha
- Shri Balak Yogeshwardas Ji Maharaj, Badrinath Dham
- Pujyashri Chidanand Saraswati, Head, Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Shree Namramuni Maharaj, Jain Muni, Founder-Prasadham
- Dhirendra Kumar Garg, Guru, Bageshwar Dham
- Baba Ramdev, Yoga Guru
- Swami Rambhadracharya
- Swami Kailashanand, Mahamandaleshwar, Niranjani Akhara
- Avdeshanand Giri, Mahamandaleshwar, Juna Akhara
- Shri Devkinandan Thakurji Maharaj, Vishwa Shanti Sewa Trust
- Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji, Vatsalya Gram
- Swami Parmatmnaad ji, Founder, Param Shakti Peeth
- Shri Vishal Rakesh ji Goswami, Head Priest, Shrinathji Temple
In addition to numerous Indian politicians and ministers, the celebrations were graced by political luminaries from across the world, further highlighting India’s growing international appeal. These included:
- John Kerry (American politician)
- Tony Blair (Former Prime Minister, UK)
- Boris Johnson (Former Prime Minister, UK)
- Matteo Renzi (Former Prime Minister of Italy)
- Sebastian Kurz (Former Prime Minister of Austria)
- Stephen Harper, Former Prime Minister of Canada
- Carl Bildt (Former Prime Minister of Sweden)
- Mohamed Nasheed (Former President of Maldives)
- H. E. Samia Suluhu Hassan (President, Tanzania)
A vast number of global business leaders also traveled to India for the wedding rituals, including:
- Amin Nasser (President & CEO, Aramco)
- H. E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO, Managing Director, Mubadala
- Murray Auchincloss (CEO, bp)
- Robert Dudley (Former CEO – bp, Board Member – Aramco)
- Mark Tucker (Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings Plc)
- Bernard Looney (Former CEO, bp)
- Shantanu Narayen (CEO, Adobe)
- Michael Grimes (Managing Director, Morgan Stanley)
- Igor Sechin, CEO, Rosneft
- Jay Lee, Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics
- Dilhan Pillay (CEO, Temasek Holdings)
- Emma Walmsley (CEO, GlaxoSmithKline)
- David Constable (CEO, Fluor Corporation)
- Jim Teague (CEO, Enterprise GP)
- Gianni Infantino (IOC Member, President of FIFA)
- Juan Antonio Samaranch (Vice President, IOC)
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, WTO)
- Kim Kardashian, Media personality, Socialite
- Khloe Kardashian, Media personality, Socialite
- Dinesh Paliwal (Partner, KKR)
- Lim Chow Kiat, CEO, GIC
- Michael Klein, Managing Partner, M. Klein & Company
- Bader Mohammad Al-Saad (Director, KIA)
- Yoshihiro Hyakutome, Senior Managing Executive Officer, SMBC
- Khalil Mohammed Sharif Foulathi, Vice Chairman, ADIA
- Peter Diamandis, Executive Chairman, Singularity University
- Jay Shetty (Podcaster, Author, Coach)
- Jeff Koons (Artist)
- January Makamba (Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation)
- James Taiclet (CEO, Lockheed Martin)
- Eric Cantor (Vice Chairman, Moelis & Company)
- Enrique Lores (President & CEO, HP Inc.)
- Borje Ekholm (President & CEO, Ericsson)
- William Lin (Executive Vice President, bp)
- Tommi Uitto, President, Nokia Mobile Networks
Mrs & Mr Anant Ambani
Serving Humanity with Compassion
True to the ethos of “Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva” (Serving humanity is serving God), the Ambani family inaugurated the wedding festivities with a mass wedding for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park. This heartfelt event, attended by over 800 guests, offered blessings, gifts, and a new beginning to the couples.
Further amplifying their spirit of service, a community kitchen (Bhandara) was organized, providing over 1,000 meals daily for three weeks, ensuring that the joy of the celebration was shared with the wider community.
Honoring Indian Traditions with Joy and Devotion
The wedding unfolded over several days, each ritual rich with meaning:
- Mosalu (Mameru): A Gujarati tradition where the groom’s maternal uncle bestows gifts upon the couple.
- Valley of Gods: Devotional dance performances led by Smt. Nita Ambani at the Jamnagar temple complex, celebrating motherhood and Indian spirituality.
- Sangeet: A lively evening of music and dance, where family members performed in joyous celebration.
- Grah Shanti and Randal Maa Puja: Rituals invoking Lord Ganesha and the Navagrahas for harmony and prosperity.
- Peethi/Haldi: A vibrant pre-wedding ceremony filled with joy and family bonding.
- Bhajans and Shiv Shakti Puja: Sacred ceremonies celebrating divine balance and energy.
- The Wedding Ceremony: The couple exchanged vows before the sacred fire, surrounded by elders and spiritual leaders.
- Wedding Receptions: A series of receptions over three days, including a special event for household and support staff, underscoring the family’s inclusive spirit.
An Ode to Banaras and India’s Splendid Attire
The wedding day décor, themed “An Ode to Banaras,” recreated the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi, immersing guests in its timeless charm. The streets, arts, crafts, and flavors of Banaras came alive within the Jio World Centre, offering an unforgettable experience.
The dress code, titled “Resplendently Indian,” invited guests to embrace India’s sartorial diversity. The resulting display of vibrant colors, exquisite fabrics, and masterful craftsmanship celebrated India’s rich textile and design heritage.
A Cultural Legacy for the World
More than a union of two individuals, this wedding became a symbolic representation of India’s timeless traditions, cultural richness, and spiritual depth. It bridged the ancient and the modern, the local and the global, leaving an enduring imprint on India’s cultural and diplomatic narrative.
In its grandeur and humility, this celebration reminded the world of India’s essence—rooted in heritage, guided by spirituality, and open to the world.