The Wedding That Showcased India to the World: Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s Union as a Global Cultural Moment

In 2024, the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant evolved beyond a family celebration to become a cultural phenomenon that placed India firmly in the global spotlight. With rituals steeped in tradition and a guest list that read like a roll call of the world’s most influential leaders and icons, the event captured worldwide attention and demonstrated India’s rising soft power.

The Ambani family began the wedding festivities by embodying India’s core values of compassion and service. A Samuhik Vivah (mass wedding) for 50 underprivileged couples was organized at Reliance Corporate Park, Navi Mumbai, attended by over 800 guests. The family also arranged a Bhandara (community kitchen), serving over 1,000 meals daily for three weeks—an act reflecting India’s timeless tradition of sharing prosperity with the community.

This deeply human approach to celebration created a powerful narrative: one of wealth anchored in humility, and grandeur infused with generosity.

The multi-day ceremonies blended intimate family moments with larger cultural showcases:

Valley of Gods: A devotional dance led by Nita Ambani at the Jamnagar temple complex showcased Indian spirituality to a global audience.

Sangeet: A night of music and dance where even Mukesh and Nita Ambani performed, capturing the vibrancy of Indian family life.

Grah Shanti and Shiv Shakti Puja: Sacred rituals that highlighted India’s deeply rooted spiritual traditions.

The Wedding and Receptions: The holy vows were followed by receptions spanning three days, including one dedicated to staff and employees—a gesture applauded for its inclusivity.

What set this wedding apart, however, was the arrival of international leaders and cultural icons in India, underlining the country’s growing global magnetism.

Prominent global political figures in attendance included:

Global Business Leaders Who Joined the Celebration:

The Ambani-Merchant wedding projected an image of India as a nation equally comfortable with ancient rituals and modern sophistication. It wasn’t just about opulence; it became a statement of India’s readiness to engage with the world on its own terms.

In many ways, this single celebration captured the essence of India’s rise: a country deeply proud of its heritage, yet firmly connected to global currents of power, wealth, and culture.

No ET Now Journalists are involved in creation of this article.

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