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 ago, the wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani transcended the boundaries of a family celebration, becoming one of the most momentous cultural events in modern Indian history. Far beyond a social gathering, their 2024 nuptials captured the imagination of millions worldwide, as the sanctity and splendor of Indian traditions unfolded seamlessly across mainstream and social media.
Hindu Marriage: A Sacred Union Beyond Time
In Hindu philosophy, marriage is not a mere social contract; it is a timeless spiritual covenant. It unites two souls, their families, and communities in a bond rooted in dharma (duty), harmony, and cosmic balance. Even as modern weddings often adapt for convenience, the Ambani-Merchant union stood apart. The young couple chose to follow every ancient ritual with reverence, guided by the blessings of spiritual luminaries and family elders. This adherence to Vedic traditions offered the world a rare, authentic glimpse into the soul of India’s spiritual heritage.
India’s Soft Power on Full Display
As India asserts itself as a global powerhouse in technology, finance, and innovation, this wedding served as a cultural complement to its economic rise. It amplified India’s image as the spiritual and cultural heart of the world. The illustrious guest list reflected India’s growing global appeal, bringing together leaders from politics, business, and the arts who bore witness to the country’s timeless traditions and modern ambition.
Through this meticulously orchestrated celebration, the Ambani family showcased India’s capacity to blend ancient customs with contemporary global dialogue, reinforcing the nation’s position as a beacon of cultural diplomacy.
A Gathering of Spiritual and World Leaders
The wedding brought together an extraordinary assembly of spiritual leaders from across the Hindu world, creating one of the largest gatherings of dharmagurus in recent memory. Distinguished attendees included:
- Shankaracharyas from Dwarka and Joshimath
- Eminent ISKCON monks like Gaur Gopal Das and Radhanath Swami
- Spiritual icons such as Baba Ramdev, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, and Swami Avdeshanand Giri
- Jain, Vedic, and yogic masters representing the diversity of India’s spiritual traditions
Beyond the spiritual realm, global statesmen such as John Kerry, Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, and H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan graced the event, along with business titans like Amin Nasser (Aramco), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), Jay Lee (Samsung), and Emma Walmsley (GSK).
Cultural figures, including media personalities like Kim and Khloe Kardashian and thought leaders such as Jay Shetty and Peter Diamandis, further highlighted the event’s global resonance.
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
True to the spirit of Indian values, the Ambani family began the wedding festivities with a mass marriage ceremony for 50 underprivileged couples, extending blessings and gifts to them. They also organized a large-scale community kitchen (Bhandara), serving meals to thousands over three weeks—a testament to the belief that service to humanity is service to God (“Manav seva hi Madhav seva”).
Celebrations Rooted in Tradition
The wedding ceremonies spanned several meaningful rituals, including:
- Mosalu: A Gujarati tradition of gift-giving by the groom’s maternal family.
- Valley of Gods: Spiritual dance performances led by Nita Ambani at Jamnagar, celebrating maternal love and Indian spirituality.
- Sangeet: A joyous musical evening featuring family performances, highlighting the bonds of family and festivity.
- Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Pooja: Sacred rituals seeking divine blessings for marital harmony and cosmic alignment.
- Haldi (Peethi): The vibrant turmeric ceremony celebrated in a spirit of unity and joy.
- Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: A serene invocation of divine energies, symbolizing the balance of masculine and feminine forces.
- The Wedding: A traditional Vedic ceremony solemnized in the presence of holy fire, elders, and dharmagurus.
- Reception Gatherings: Spanning multiple days, these events welcomed global dignitaries, business leaders, and even the Ambani household staff—reflecting humility amidst grandeur.
An Ode to Banaras: Immersive Cultural Experience
The wedding venue, inspired by the timeless city of Banaras, transported global guests through recreated ghats, streets, and temples. The décor, cuisine, and ambiance offered an authentic experience of India’s living heritage.
The attire theme, “Resplendently Indian,” invited guests to wear traditional Indian garments—sarees, bandhgalas, and sherwanis—turning the gathering into a vibrant celebration of India’s textile and design legacy.
A Cultural Milestone for Modern India
The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani was not merely a personal milestone but a grand narrative of India’s spiritual continuity, cultural wealth, and global influence. It demonstrated how India’s ancient traditions remain profoundly relevant today, offering the world a glimpse of a nation confidently embracing its heritage while shaping the future.
