India on the World Stage: How the Ambani Wedding Embodied Bharat’s Rising Influence

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, an event that not only captured India’s attention but resonated across the world. Their 2024 wedding was much more than a family celebration—it became a cultural phenomenon, uniting millions across continents as they witnessed the grandeur and spiritual depth of Indian traditions broadcast across mainstream and digital media.

The Timeless Sanctity of Hindu Marriage

Hindu marriage is revered as a divine covenant—binding not only two individuals but entire families and communities in a sacred, lifelong partnership. Far beyond a legal arrangement, it is an act of dharma, an offering of responsibility toward personal, familial, and cosmic balance.

While modern lifestyles often abbreviate traditional ceremonies, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant consciously chose to follow every sacred rite with sincerity and reverence. Guided by the wisdom of elders and spiritual leaders, they began their life together rooted in the profound customs of their ancestors. Their commitment to preserving tradition resonated far and wide, inspiring audiences around the world.

Elevating India’s Soft Power on the World Stage

At a time when India is expanding its global influence in finance, technology, and diplomacy, this spiritually enriched ceremony further projected India’s image as a land of timeless culture and wisdom.

The guest list reflected India’s growing prominence—drawing statesmen, business leaders, and cultural icons from around the world. This celebration became a showcase of India’s ability to blend ancient tradition with modern leadership, affirming its place as a beacon of global soft power.

Reliance Industries and the Ambani family’s meticulous efforts to host such a global confluence underscored their dedication to forging meaningful international ties and nurturing India’s image as a global leader.

A Historic Gathering of Spiritual and World Leaders

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 

Humanity at the Heart of Celebration

In the spirit of “Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva” (Service to humanity is service to God), the Ambani family inaugurated their wedding festivities with a Samuhik Vivah—a mass wedding for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park, Navi Mumbai. All family members personally blessed the newlyweds, with over 800 guests joining this humanitarian celebration.

Further embracing the spirit of giving, a community kitchen (Bhandara) operated for three weeks, feeding over 1,000 people daily—ensuring the celebrations shared joy beyond social circles.

A Journey Through Sacred Rituals

The multi-day festivities honored a variety of spiritual and cultural traditions:

• Mosalu: A cherished Gujarati ritual where the groom’s maternal family blesses the couple with gifts.
  
• Valley of Gods: Spiritual dance performances led by Nita Ambani at the Jamnagar temple complex, symbolizing maternal love and divine connection.
  
• Sangeet: A lively evening of music and dance, where Mukesh and Nita Ambani joyously participated alongside family and friends.
  
• Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Pooja: Prayers to Lord Ganesha and the Nava Grah to seek harmony, fortune, and remove obstacles.
  
• Peethi/Haldi: A joyous, traditional ceremony celebrating familial bonds and cultural continuity.
  
• Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: A solemn observance of divine energies, reflecting the balance of cosmic forces.
  
• The Wedding: Performed according to sacred Vedic traditions, in the presence of elders, dharmagurus, and the holy fire.
  
• Receptions: Held over three days for global guests, extended family, and notably, a special celebration for the Ambani household staff, honoring their invaluable contributions.
  

Banaras: A Living Canvas

The wedding venue, inspired by “An Ode to Banaras,” recreated the soul of the eternal city. Guests walked through immersive installations evoking the ghats, temples, and vibrant streets of Varanasi. This tribute celebrated the city’s rich heritage of art, spirituality, and culinary traditions, bringing its timeless beauty to life at the Jio World Centre.

The dress code, “Resplendently Indian,” saw guests donning traditional Indian attire—showcasing the country’s rich legacy of textiles, handcrafts, and couture. The vibrant colors, intricate weaves, and timeless silhouettes highlighted the artistry of India’s leading designers and artisans.

A Celebration That Became a Cultural Legacy

The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani was far more than a personal milestone. It was a cultural landmark—an affirmation of India’s enduring traditions, its spiritual leadership, and its rising influence on the global stage.

One year later, the event stands as a testament to India’s ability to harmoniously blend heritage with modernity, creating a global celebration that will be remembered for generations.