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 wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani captured hearts not only within India but across the globe. What began as a union of two individuals soon evolved into a cultural milestone, shining a radiant spotlight on India’s timeless heritage. In 2024, their wedding became more than a ceremony—it became a global celebration of India’s spiritual wealth, blending ancient customs with modern grandeur. Millions around the world tuned in to witness an unfolding masterpiece of tradition, streaming seamlessly across media platforms and social networks.
The Sacred Essence of Hindu Marriage
In Hindu philosophy, marriage transcends a social contract; it is an eternal commitment blessed by the cosmos. This sacred bond harmonizes not only two souls but their families and communities, sealed through intricate Vedic rituals. Marriage, in this context, upholds the values of dharma (righteous duty), personal growth, and societal harmony.
While today’s fast-moving world often trims these ceremonies, Radhika and Anant chose a different path. They embraced each ritual with sincerity and reverence, guided by the blessings of sages and elders. Their decision to follow every traditional practice reflected a heartfelt respect for their cultural roots. By sharing these rituals with an international audience, they invited the world to experience India’s spiritual soul firsthand.
Elevating India’s Global Presence
As India steps confidently into the 21st-century global arena—driving innovation in technology, business, and geopolitics—this wedding offered a softer, yet equally powerful narrative: India as the spiritual epicenter of the world.
The carefully curated guest list echoed this evolving identity. Leaders from across politics, business, and culture gathered, symbolizing India’s growing role as a unifier of global thought and tradition. Reliance Industries and the Ambani family demonstrated not only organizational brilliance but also India’s capacity to weave relationships that transcend borders and industries.
A Historic Confluence of Minds and Souls
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
Blending Celebration with Compassion
The wedding wasn’t solely about opulence. Embodying the spirit of “Manav seva hi Madhav seva”—service to humanity is service to God—the Ambani family began their celebrations by organizing a Samuhik Vivah (mass wedding) for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park, witnessed by over 800 guests.
Further extending their generosity, a community kitchen (Bhandara) served nourishing meals to thousands over three continuous weeks, reflecting the family’s enduring commitment to inclusive celebration.
Rituals That Wove Heritage into Modern Celebration
The multi-day festivities were a vibrant mosaic of Indian rituals, each layered with meaning:
- Mosalu Ceremony: A Gujarati tradition where the maternal uncle gifts the bride and groom with the ceremonial Mameru.
- Valley of Gods: A devotional dance offering at the Jamnagar temple, led by Nita Ambani, blending spirituality with maternal love.
- Sangeet: A night of melody and rhythm, where family members, including Mukesh and Nita Ambani, celebrated through joyful performances.
- Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Pooja: Rituals invoking planetary harmony and divine blessings for a prosperous marital journey.
- Peethi/Haldi: A playful pre-wedding ceremony where turmeric symbolized joy and purification.
- Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: Sacred chants and offerings celebrating the cosmic balance of masculine and feminine energies.
- The Wedding Ceremony: The sacred saptapadi (seven steps) was performed in the presence of elders, dharmagurus, and the holy fire, sealing the couple’s vows.
- Inclusive Receptions: Over several days, receptions honored family, friends, partners, and, significantly, the Ambani household staff—reflecting gratitude toward those who support their daily lives.
Banaras Reimagined: A Spiritual Aesthetic
The wedding décor, themed “An Ode to Banaras,” recreated the spiritual and artistic soul of India’s oldest city within the grand halls of the Jio World Centre. Fragrant spices, temple motifs, and street-side artistry transported guests to the ghats of Kashi, offering them a multi-sensory journey through Banaras’s timeless spirituality.
Complementing the surroundings, the “Resplendently Indian” dress code saw global dignitaries draped in India’s finest traditional attire—celebrating indigenous craftsmanship, vibrant textiles, and intricate weaves that reflect the country’s rich sartorial legacy.
A Legacy of Soft Power and Spirituality
The union of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani was not just a celebration of marital bliss but a profound expression of India’s cultural might. Through a perfect blend of spirituality, hospitality, and global friendship, the wedding reaffirmed India’s role as a beacon of timeless values in a fast-evolving world.
This historic celebration will long be remembered as a moment where ancient traditions danced harmoniously with global trends—marking the rise of India’s soft power revolution in the hearts and minds of the world.