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 ago, the union of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani became far more than a personal celebration — it was a cultural moment that captivated not only India but the entire world. Their 2024 wedding wasn’t just a grand social affair; it transformed into one of the most widely witnessed displays of India’s timeless traditions, with millions across the globe following the ceremonies through mainstream and social media channels.
The Eternal Essence of Hindu Marriage
In Hindu philosophy, marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred commitment — a lifelong spiritual bond connecting not just two individuals but their families and communities. Enriched by elaborate Vedic rituals, it fulfills religious and social duties (dharma) and helps maintain societal harmony.
While modern weddings often streamline age-old traditions, Radhika and Anant chose to honor each ceremony with sincerity and precision. Their decision reflected deep respect for ancestral wisdom and a desire to begin their life together with the blessings of spiritual leaders and elders. The global audience, including prominent dignitaries, witnessed an authentic portrayal of India’s cultural heart.
Elevating India’s Global Image
As India’s global influence grows in finance, technology, and diplomacy, the Ambani wedding became a cultural extension of that ascent. The grandeur and spiritual depth of the event enhanced India’s image as the world’s spiritual nucleus.
The guest list itself symbolized India’s rising stature in global affairs — a convergence of economic powerhouses, political leaders, and cultural icons, each drawn to witness this rare blend of tradition and modern prestige. The Ambani family and Reliance Industries demonstrated how India’s ancient heritage and contemporary global relationships co-exist seamlessly.
A Rare Assembly of Spiritual and Global Leaders
The wedding gathered an extraordinary constellation of Hindu spiritual leaders from across India, making it one of the largest congregations of Vedic and dharmic luminaries at a single event. 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
Blending Celebration with Compassion
In true Indian spirit, the Ambani family began the wedding festivities with a Samuhik Vivah (mass wedding) for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park. Over 800 guests, including the entire Ambani family, blessed these newlyweds with gifts and good wishes.
Reflecting the principle of “Manav seva hi Madhav seva” (serving humanity is serving the divine), a community kitchen (Bhandara) ran throughout the celebrations, providing over 1,000 meals daily for three weeks.
A Series of Meaningful Ceremonies
The multi-day celebrations were filled with significant cultural and spiritual rituals, such as:
- Mosalu: A Gujarati tradition of gift-giving by the groom’s maternal family.
- Valley of Gods: Devotional dance performances led by Nita Ambani, blending art and spirituality.
- Sangeet: A vibrant musical evening where both Mukesh and Nita Ambani joyously participated.
- Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Pooja: Sacred prayers seeking harmony and divine blessings.
- Haldi (Peethi): A festive pre-wedding ritual connecting families through joy and tradition.
- Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: Celebrating the cosmic balance of masculine and feminine energies.
- The Wedding: Traditional Vedic rituals performed in the presence of sacred fire and spiritual elders.
- Receptions: Spanning three days, these gatherings welcomed extended family, business associates, global dignitaries, and even household staff—showing humility in grandeur.
A Tribute to Banaras and Indian Craftsmanship
The wedding day’s theme, “An Ode to Banaras,” transported guests into the soulful streets of the holy city, recreating its ghats, temples, and vibrant culture inside the Jio World Centre. Guests immersed themselves in Banaras’ heritage, experiencing its arts, crafts, cuisine, and spirituality.
Following the “Resplendently Indian” dress code, global dignitaries and celebrities donned traditional Indian attire — a radiant display of the country’s diverse textile traditions and artistic brilliance.
A Legacy Beyond a Celebration
The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani was not just a union of two souls but a cultural showcase of India’s spiritual continuity, artistic depth, and global influence. It bridged India’s ancient wisdom with its modern leadership, leaving a lasting imprint on both the nation’s cultural narrative and its global image.
