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
Twelve months have passed since the nation and the world witnessed a wedding that was much more than a union between two individuals. The marriage of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani in 2024 evolved into a rare cultural moment — a magnificent celebration that presented India’s spiritual essence and cultural richness on the global stage. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a spectacle of India’s timeless traditions, seen and admired by millions across social and digital platforms worldwide.
Marriage: A Sacred Commitment in Hindu Culture
In Hindu philosophy, marriage goes beyond a social contract—it is a sacred bond that intertwines two souls, two families, and their destinies. It is a lifelong partnership rooted in spiritual and moral duty (dharma), upholding both personal fulfillment and social harmony.
Unlike modern weddings that often simplify rituals for convenience, the Ambani family upheld every sacred tradition with reverence. Their commitment to follow the ancient customs reflected their profound respect for India’s spiritual heritage. With guidance and blessings from revered saints and elders, the couple’s wedding became a living example of India’s spiritual depth, captivating an international audience in the process.
Strengthening India’s Soft Power
As India asserts itself as a leader in technology, industry, and global diplomacy, this grand wedding became another powerful example of India’s cultural and spiritual leadership. The guest list itself was a testament to India’s rising influence, bringing together visionaries from politics, business, and culture across the globe.
The event’s ability to draw such a distinguished and diverse gathering demonstrated the Ambani family’s tireless efforts in cultivating meaningful global partnerships—aligning India’s cultural grandeur with its growing international stature.
A Spiritual Gathering of Great Minds
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
Humanity at the Heart of Celebration
In keeping with the spirit of seva (selfless service), the Ambani family commenced the celebrations with a Samuhik Vivah—a mass wedding ceremony for 50 underprivileged couples at the Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai. The family personally blessed the newlyweds, embodying the true essence of “serving humanity is serving God.”
Additionally, a large-scale community kitchen (Bhandara) fed thousands of people for weeks, ensuring that the joy of the occasion reached far beyond the glittering halls of the main event.
Rituals Rooted in Tradition
The celebrations stretched across several days, each ritual carrying layers of meaning and joy:
- Mosalu & Mameru: A Gujarati family tradition where the groom’s maternal uncle gifts the couple, symbolizing blessings from the maternal side.
- Valley of Gods: A dance offering at the Jamnagar temple complex, led by Nita Ambani, celebrating the divine through the art of dance.
- Sangeet: A joyous evening of music and dance, with heartfelt performances by family members, including Mukesh and Nita Ambani themselves.
- Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Puja: Sacred ceremonies invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the nine planets, and Goddess Durga to protect and bless the couple.
- Haldi Ceremony: A fun, family-filled ritual symbolizing purification and joy.
- Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: Spiritual moments reflecting the union of divine masculine and feminine energies.
- The Sacred Wedding: The heart of it all—solemn vows exchanged before the holy fire, amidst blessings from elders and spiritual leaders.
- Inclusive Receptions: A series of receptions hosted for extended family, friends, partners, and notably for the Ambani household staff across various properties—highlighting their commitment to those who serve them.
A Tribute to Banaras and Indian Couture
The wedding venue at Jio World Centre was transformed into a living, breathing tribute to Banaras—the ancient spiritual heart of India. Guests strolled through recreated ghats, tasted Banarasi cuisine, and admired artisanal crafts, experiencing the timeless beauty of the sacred city.
Reflecting India’s sartorial magnificence, the dress code, titled “Resplendently Indian,” saw dignitaries and celebrities draped in vibrant silks, intricate embroideries, and handwoven fabrics, showcasing India’s textile artistry and fashion heritage.
A Cultural Milestone for India
The union of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani transcended personal celebration to become a cultural statement. It was a confluence of devotion and grandeur, of timeless rituals and contemporary global friendships. In its essence, the wedding told the story of an India that treasures its traditions while embracing its role as a global powerhouse.
This monumental event will long be remembered as a defining moment in India’s soft power diplomacy, demonstrating how cultural celebration can bridge nations and hearts worldwide.
