Jamnagar - The great Indian Wedding

Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani and family went all out for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The opulence and beauty of the various venues for the different functions hosted by the Ambani family between March 1-3 emerged as a main character onto themselves, offering the perfect setting for the grand festivities.

Extravagant decor at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations stole the show.

On March 1, the first day of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities was celebrated as 'An Evening in Everland', where guests wore elegant cocktail attire. Fashion designer Manish Malhotra shared a picture on Instagram Stories with American floral designer Jeff Leatham, who was responsible for all the intricate flower arrangements at the extravaganza. Known for his work with reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian and the rest of her family, Jeff created larger-than-life white, pink and purple flower arrangements for the night. On March 2, art inspired by India was the decor theme as the Ambanis hosted 'A Walk on the Wildside' with 'jungle fever' being the dress code. Held outdoors in the Ambanis' animal rescue centre Vantara in Jamnagar, the event featured peacock and jaguar motifs on chairs and furnishings. Forests, birds and animals could be found on everything from carepts to walls. In the evening, the guests proceeded to 'Mela Rouge'. The Moulin Rouge-inspired carnival was the most opulent event of the Ambani celebrations featuring yellow bulbs and chandeliers and the bold use of red colour. Making it even more dramatic and romantic were large-scale red floral installations. Mirrors on ceilings to a glittering golden and red carousel. On March 3, for the 'Maha Aarti', the decor was inspired by India and featured lots of white floral strings and lighting. Mrs Nita Ambani s Passion for Craft , Art and Perfection leads to a beautiful vision of different artists coming together and making unforgettable memories . Creative Indian Artistry in Jamnagar at its Finest under the guidance of Mrs Nita Ambani. Says Manish Malhotra. 

Who is who from Bollywood, business word and entertainment attended the event with 1000+ guests but many many more support staff. Jamnagar got a place of prominance in the international map.

 If you observe , this is not only pre wedding but also a promotion for Vantara -if you check out the guest list , there are dignitaries from around the world... Ambani are showcasing indian culture and tradition to the world. Can an average person build schools and hospitals with a fraction of the budget spent on his wedding? No, but Ambanis can, and they choose to waste the money on this frivolous wedding instead. Their choice. Think of how employment people have got due to this. Do not see this in isolation, simplicity is missed out many might idolise this at the cost of taking loans or whatever it takes to make their children happy note there are such cases. 

Some view that  "The Ambani pre nuptial extravaganza is a nauseatingly vulgar display of wealth & power. That our Celebs are happily willing to participate while demeaning themselves is embarrassing & sickening. That our mainstream media goes gaga over it shows the total bankruptcy of the media."   Last Jan engagement, this Jan some event, now pre-wedding, so how is the wedding going to be?

Well every coin has two sides. 

 Big B missed his visiting fans at Jalsa and wrote: ".. the gates of Jalsa did not open on te Sunday .. but the gates of a wedding did occur .. up to the location of the wedding and then back just now .. .. it has to be said the experience was one never seen before .. not just the atmosphere of the wedding, but the VanTara animal relief facility .. goodness me .. what an extraordinary experience and the most scientific set up for the animals that get maltreated, to be brought here at this farm and nurtured out of diseased or compromised environ, and given a fresh healthy rejuvenated life .. this is an experience only seeing can be believed .. and no more details for the joy and ecstacy of the experience shall be driven away .. but see you all must .. and then the glory of the Shlokas, the chanting of the mantra’s and the truly divine atmosphere and environ created by the hosts .. simply incredible .. So for now it is a latish night .." 

 Mrs. Nita Ambani assumes a classical dance pose during her performance to the Vishwaambhari Stuti at Anant and Radhika's pre-wedding celebration. Her dance, an offering to Maa Amba, the goddess of feminine energy, weaves together devotion and tradition in a mesmerizing display. This money cannot buy. There were other events by the family - dance my mother daughter duo and many more.  But the Vishwaambhari Stuti was special. Dancers may complain that her 'Aramandalam' was incorrect, could be she had a knee pain then, but look at the grace and mudras. 

 A truly divine atmosphere’ with a 'maha arati' was also a highlight. 

 Mukesh Ambani cried. Multiple times. May be tears of joy, gratitude,  because he knows no matter how much money he has he can't buy his son a good HEALTH and money don't solve all the problems..health is wealth.   

Apparently the two have been childhood friends but didn't start dating until much later. However, they have spent a lot of time together as kids, hanging out in similar social circles.

Anant Ambani pursued his higher education at Brown University, Rhode Island, while Radhika Merchant went to New York University.

In 2018 rumours begin, A picture of the couple wearing matching olive green robes went viral on social media, sparking rumours of their relationship. However, there was no confirmation from either them or their families.

In 2018 & 2019 Radhika Attends Ambani Weddings as a family member. She was at Prithivi's first birthday bash in 2022 too.  Ambanis Organise Radhika’s Arangetram Ceremony too in the same year. 

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s love finally culminated in a roka ceremony performed at Srinathji temple in Nathdwara. This was a rather low-key affair with only close family members present there.

In 2023 The Ambanis went all out to celebrate Radhika and Anant’s upcoming wedding with a lavish engagement party at the residence in Antilia, that had the country’s most influential people — businessmen, Bollywood celebs — in attendance. The couple’s parents and family also put up dance performances for them to celebrate their relationship.

On 16th Feb, the first ceremony called “Lagan Lakhvanu” was held at the Ambani family's farmhouse in Jamnagar. This ceremony includes the creation of the first official wedding invitation known as kankotri, seeking blessings for the upcoming union. 

May there be joy, health and peace.