Nita Ambani, the Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, has made a significant purchase ahead of her son Anant Ambani’s wedding to Radhika Merchant. Known for her impeccable taste and appreciation for traditional artistry, Nita Ambani recently visited Varanasi to shop for Banarasi saris, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and cultural significance.
In preparation for the highly anticipated wedding, Nita Ambani bought 50-60 Banarasi saris directly from the weavers and loom owners of Varanasi. This gesture not only showcases her admiration for traditional Indian textiles but also provides a substantial boost to the local handloom industry. During her visit, she invited various Banarasi merchants and craftsmen to her hotel to personally select and place orders for the saris, highlighting her genuine appreciation for their skill and dedication.
The Banarasi saris, famous for their intricate designs and use of real gold and silver threads, are set to gain international recognition as guests from Bollywood, Hollywood, and other international circles will attend the wedding. This attention is expected to elevate the global profile of Banarasi saris, much to the delight of the local weavers.
Chhote Lal Pal, a Banarasi handloom weaver, expressed his excitement and pride in creating a Lakkha Buti sari for Nita Ambani. “If Nita Ambani wears a sari made by me at her son’s wedding, it will be seen by everyone on TV and social media. She liked my sari, and I am very excited. Making their orders feels like a significant achievement for my generation,” he told ANI. He explained that the Lakkha Buti sari is a unique piece requiring the loom to be set up three times, a process that takes 60 to 62 days and involves the work of 20 to 25 artisans.
Akshay Kushwaha, owner of Angika Hathkargha Handloom in Golaghat, shared his joy at receiving an order for 15 to 20 saris from Nita Ambani. These saris, made with real zari incorporating 58-60% silver and 1.5% gold, are priced between Rs 1.5-2 lakhs to Rs 5-6 lakhs. One special sari, the Hazara Buti, featuring approximately 35,000 silver Buti, takes 40-45 days to complete.
The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant is set to be a grand affair, blending tradition with modernity. Scheduled for July 12 at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, the event will be a celebration of love and culture. Nita Ambani, clad in a beautiful pink sari, recently visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to seek blessings and offer the first wedding invitation to Lord Shiva. “I feel very blessed. Today I came here with the invitation for the wedding of Anant and Radhika to offer it to the almighty. I came here after 10 years and am happy to see the development here,” she shared with the media.
Nita Ambani’s visit to the temple, participation in the Ganga Aarti, and interactions with locals, including a stop at a chaat shop, reflect her deep connection to tradition and the local community. The wedding festivities are meticulously planned, adhering to traditional Hindu Vedic customs. The main ceremonies will commence on Friday, July 12, with the Shubh Vivah or wedding function, where guests are encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire. The celebrations will continue with the Shubh Aashirwad on July 13, and the Mangal Utsav or wedding reception on July 14, where guests are invited to dress in ‘Indian chic.’
Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchant and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant, will join the Ambani family, marking a union of two prominent industrialist families. Earlier this year, the couple hosted a series of pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, attended by a star-studded guest list from around the globe. Notable attendees included Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, Indian corporate giants like Gautam Adani, Nandan Nilekani, Adar Poonawala, and cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma. Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev also graced the occasion, adding a touch of serenity to the celebrations.
Bollywood stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, and Madhuri Dixit added glamour to the festivities. The pre-wedding celebrations were highlighted by an electrifying performance by pop sensation Rihanna, making her debut performance in India. The event, themed ‘A Walk on the Wildside’ with ‘jungle fever,’ left guests in awe, followed by ‘Mela Rouge,’ celebrating South Asian culture. The three-day extravaganza also featured the world-renowned illusionist David Blaine, who mesmerized guests with his incredible feats.
Bollywood stars and family members joined in the sangeet performances, with a special appearance by actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, captivating the audience. As the wedding day approaches, Mumbai is set to witness a grand celebration that combines tradition, opulence, and a touch of modernity, promising to be an event to remember.
