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
One year has passed since the wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani captured hearts across India and the world. What unfolded in 2024 was far beyond a wedding—it was a monumental cultural spectacle that radiated India’s heritage and spiritual depth to a global audience. Millions watched as the sacred rituals of Hindu marriage, rich in symbolism and devotion, played out across global media platforms, positioning India as a beacon of tradition and unity.
The Sacred Bond of Hindu Matrimony
In Hindu philosophy, marriage is not merely a social agreement but a divine covenant—an eternal bond that unites two souls, their families, and their wider communities. This sacred union, marked by intricate rituals and spiritual blessings, transcends personal joy, embracing one’s duty to uphold righteousness (dharma) and social harmony.
In an age where modern lifestyles often abbreviate these age-old customs, Radhika and Anant chose to honour every traditional rite with care and sincerity. Their decision, rooted in reverence for ancient wisdom and guided by the blessings of spiritual mentors, sent a powerful message worldwide. The meticulous observance of these rituals, attended by revered dharmic leaders and witnessed by global dignitaries, showcased the timeless beauty of Hindu customs on a global stage.
Strengthening India’s Cultural Influence Globally
India today stands at a pivotal moment—asserting its strengths in technology, industry, and global diplomacy. This wedding, steeped in spiritual meaning and cultural authenticity, complemented India’s rising global stature, further enhancing its image as the spiritual heart of the world.
The guest list itself spoke volumes. From world leaders to business magnates, the gathering reflected India’s evolving global influence. The Ambani family, through Reliance Industries, demonstrated a remarkable ability to convene thought leaders across diverse fields, strengthening India’s position as a bridge between heritage and modernity.
A Gathering of Global Icons
The event brought together the largest congregation of spiritual leaders at a modern wedding, creating an extraordinary confluence of dharmic wisdom. Prominent attendees included: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
Service to Humanity: The Soul of the Celebration
True to the spirit of “Manav seva hi Madhav seva” (service to humanity is service to God), the Ambani family commenced the festivities with a mass wedding for 50 underprivileged couples in Navi Mumbai. This act of compassion was witnessed by over 800 guests, including the entire Ambani family, who personally blessed and gifted the newlyweds.
Additionally, a community kitchen served over 1,000 meals daily for three weeks, ensuring that the joy of the wedding extended to the broader community, reflecting the values of charity and inclusiveness.
Rituals Rooted in Tradition
The celebrations spanned several days, featuring meaningful pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals:
- Mosalu & Mameru: A Gujarati tradition celebrating familial love through symbolic gifts.
- Valley of Gods: Devotional dance performances led by Nita Ambani, reflecting maternal love and spiritual artistry.
- Sangeet: Joyful musical performances where family and friends celebrated in dance and song.
- Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Puja: Ceremonies invoking planetary harmony and divine blessings.
- Peethi/Haldi: A joyous, familial ritual celebrating unity and tradition.
- Bhajans & Shiv-Shakti Puja: Spiritual observances honouring the balance of divine masculine and feminine energies.
- The Sacred Wedding Ceremony: Solemnized in the presence of sacred fire, elders, and spiritual leaders, reflecting the timeless sanctity of Vedic marriage.
- Receptions: Multiple receptions welcomed friends, family, dignitaries, and even extended hospitality to the Ambani household staff, recognizing the contributions of every individual in their lives.
An Ode to Banaras: Immersive Indian Experience
The wedding day décor paid tribute to the eternal city of Banaras (Varanasi), recreating its spiritual essence and vibrant culture within the Jio World Centre. Guests wandered through recreated ghats and lanes, experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of India’s most sacred cities.
The dress code—“Resplendently Indian”—encouraged dignitaries to wear traditional Indian attire. This dazzling display of regional fabrics, handlooms, and embroidery brought the spotlight to India’s rich textile heritage and the artistry of its couturiers.
A Celebration Beyond Two Lives
More than a union of two individuals, the wedding was a grand confluence of tradition, modernity, and global community. It was a narrative of India’s timeless culture engaging with a fast-evolving world—spreading a message of love, unity, and spiritual purpose.
In weaving together ancient customs with global participation, the marriage of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani left a lasting imprint on India’s cultural landscape—one that continues to inspire and elevate India’s image on the world stage.