India’s wealthiest family, the Ambanis, are hosting one of the most extravagant weddings the country has ever seen. Anant Ambani, the youngest son of business magnate Mukesh Ambani, is marrying Radhika Merchant, daughter of another prominent tycoon, in a series of celebrations that have spanned months and captivated the nation.
The grandeur of the festivities is unparalleled. Diamonds and emeralds, couture saris, and invitations crafted from precious metals set the tone for the opulent events. The wedding festivities have attracted attention for their sheer scale and the presence of global celebrities and influential figures.
The celebrations began with an engagement party in January, followed by a grand pre-wedding event in March at the Ambani family’s estate in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This event boasted a guest list of over 1,200, including high-profile personalities such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Rihanna, who delivered a stellar performance.
In May, the couple hosted a luxurious four-day cruise in the Mediterranean, featuring concerts by the Backstreet Boys, Pitbull, and David Guetta. The European celebrations included a masquerade ball at the Chateau de la Croix des Gardes and a glamorous event in Portofino with a performance by Andrea Bocelli.
The festivities continued in July with a traditional sangeet ceremony featuring Justin Bieber at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center. This was followed by a private haldi ceremony earlier in the week.
The wedding ceremony, set to be held from July 12-14 at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, promises to be the pinnacle of the celebrations. The grand finale is expected to be the most opulent event of the year, symbolizing the arrival of India's billionaires on the global stage and showcasing the country’s modern-day Gilded Age.
