Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding drew a star-studded guest list from various sectors including fashion, film, politics, and business, making it a noteworthy event.
Despite its global appeal, the wedding adhered closely to Gujarati customs and traditions. For instance, Nita Ambani, the groom’s mother, wore a peach silk ghagra designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and carried a Raman Divo, which features an idol of Lord Ganesh. This custom is believed to symbolize warding off the evil eye and inviting good fortune. According to Pandit Jagannath Guruji, a celebrity astrologer, the “Raman Divo” or “lamp of Rama” signifies auspicious beginnings by dispelling darkness and bringing joy to the couple.
During the festivities, Isha Ambani, adorned in a pastel lehenga, was observed carrying a ‘Lun’ bell, a tradition she also upheld during her twin brother Akash Ambani’s wedding in 2019. The ‘Lun bell’ is a small vessel or kalash covered with cloth, filled with coins and salt, creating a jingling sound when shaken. It is traditionally given by the priest after the Varghodo rituals, which precede the groom’s baraat procession to the wedding venue. The bell is believed to ward off evil spirits during nighttime weddings, with the groom’s sister traditionally responsible for maintaining its sound near the groom’s ears.
Guruji explained that this tradition dates back to older times when weddings occurred at night, and it was customary for the groom’s sister to ensure he stayed awake by jingling the lun bell near him.
These rituals not only exemplify the rich cultural heritage of Gujarati weddings but also underscore the importance of tradition, spirituality, and familial bonds as Anant Ambani, son of India’s wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani, embarked on a new chapter in life with his school sweetheart Radhika Merchant. Their wedding took place on July 12 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Center.