Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asia's richest person Mukesh Ambani, and his wife Nita, is now happily married to Radhika Merchant. Their wedding, which took place at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai on July 12th, was a spectacular event attended by celebrities and dignitaries from around the world.
The star-studded guest list included the likes of Kim and Khloe Kardashian, former UK Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Bollywood icons such as the Bachchans, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan.
The Ambanis, while hosting a lavish celebration, also adhered to their Gujarati traditions. Nita Ambani, the groom's mother, was seen carrying a 'Raman divo,' a golden diya with a picture of Lord Ganesh, which is believed to ward off the evil eye. This tradition is an integral part of Gujarati weddings and symbolizes auspiciousness.
Anant Ambani donned a traditional red bandhani safa adorned with a diamond brooch, tied by his family members, adding a regal touch to his attire. The safe-tying ceremony is a significant part of Hindu and Gujarati weddings, representing honor, respect, and pride.
Before proceeding to the wedding venue, Anant participated in the Varghodo, a series of pre-wedding rituals. His sister Isha Ambani performed the 'Lun' bell ceremony, where she moved a small bowl of coins wrapped in a cloth around Anant's head to ward off evil spirits.
At the wedding mandap, the bride's mother, Shaila Merchant, welcomed Anant with a tilak and performed an aarti, offering sweets and blessings. In a playful twist, the bride's mother also attempted to pull the groom's nose, a gesture symbolizing humility. Anant's brother Aakash and his wife Shloka Mehta humorously shielded him from this ritual.
The following day, the newlyweds Anant and Radhika received blessings from prominent Hindu priests, Shankaracharya of Dwarka Peeth and Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, during the Shubh Aashirwad ceremony held at the Jio World Convention Centre.
The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was a blend of opulence and tradition, marking a memorable celebration for the Ambani family and their esteemed guests.