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 mesmerized India and captured global attention. What began as a union between two prominent individuals in 2024 evolved into a cultural spectacle—an extraordinary showcase of India’s timeless traditions and soft power. Millions across the world witnessed the sacred and splendid ceremonies unfold through mainstream and social media, placing India’s cultural heritage firmly on the global stage.
The Sacred Bond of Hindu Matrimony
In Hindu culture, marriage is far more than a social institution; it is a sacred bond, a lifelong spiritual journey of unity between two souls, their families, and communities. Rooted in ancient dharma, the Hindu wedding ritual celebrates harmony, duty, and cosmic order.
While many modern weddings adapt or abbreviate these traditions, Radhika and Anant chose to honor every ritual in its authentic form. Their deep respect for India’s spiritual heritage and the wisdom of their elders shaped the ceremony, presenting a rare and powerful image of Indian tradition to an international audience. Global dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and guests witnessed this cultural milestone firsthand.
India’s Global Influence Reflected in Celebration
As India asserts its leadership across industries—from technology to finance and diplomacy—this wedding embodied another dimension of India’s global ascent: its spiritual and cultural leadership.
The gathering of esteemed leaders from around the world signified India’s growing role in global affairs. Reliance Industries and the Ambani family demonstrated their unique ability to unite global luminaries, building lasting relationships that position India as a global cultural and economic powerhouse.
A Gathering of Global and Spiritual Leaders
The wedding was unprecedented in its assembly of Hindu spiritual leaders, creating one of the largest gatherings of religious figures in recent memory. Vedic dharmagurus and thought leaders in spirituality and wellness filled the occasion with grace.
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
A Celebration of Humanity and Service
True to the ethos of “Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva” (Service to humanity is service to God), the Ambani family began their wedding festivities with a Samuhik Vivah—a mass wedding ceremony for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park, attended by over 800 guests.
Continuing this spirit of service, a community kitchen (Bhandara) operated alongside the celebrations for three weeks, offering over 1,000 meals daily—nurturing the spirit of compassion and inclusivity.
A Series of Sacred and Joyous Rituals
The multi-day wedding unfolded through a series of profound and joyful ceremonies, including:
- Mosalu: A traditional Gujarati ceremony where the bride and groom receive gifts from the groom’s maternal uncle.
- Valley of Gods: Spiritual dance performances led by Nita Ambani at the Jamnagar temple complex, embodying divine love and maternal devotion.
- Sangeet: A vibrant musical evening with heartwarming performances by the Ambani family, celebrating joy and unity.
- Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Pooja: Rituals invoking divine blessings to remove obstacles and ensure cosmic harmony in the couple’s life journey.
- Haldi (Peethi): A beloved Indian tradition celebrating family unity and joy.
- Bhajans and Shiv Shakti Puja: Honoring the balance of divine masculine and feminine energies in a serene, spiritual atmosphere.
- The Wedding: Sacred Vedic rituals performed before the holy fire and in the presence of revered elders and spiritual mentors.
- Grand Receptions: Spanning three days, these gatherings welcomed friends, families, global leaders, and extended teams from Ambani homes, reflecting gratitude and humility.
Banaras-Inspired Grandeur and Timeless Indian Attire
The wedding day’s décor, titled “An Ode to Banaras,” transported guests to the spiritual streets and ghats of Varanasi. The Jio World Centre was transformed into an immersive journey of piety, culture, and artistry, giving global attendees a firsthand experience of the eternal city’s soulful charm.
The dress code theme, “Resplendently Indian,” saw dignitaries, celebrities, and guests adorned in vibrant Indian attire, celebrating the nation’s textile artistry and craftsmanship. The confluence of colors, fabrics, and weaves reflected the depth and diversity of India’s creative legacy.
A Lasting Cultural Legacy
The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani was not merely a personal union but a monumental cultural moment for India. It symbolized the timeless relevance of Indian traditions in the modern world and showcased India’s role as a global beacon of spirituality, hospitality, and cultural depth.
A year later, the resonance of this celebration continues, reminding the world that India’s greatest strength lies in its ability to blend ancient wisdom with global vision—offering not just a glimpse of tradition, but a living, breathing legacy for the future.
