Snapshots from Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's engagement ceremony

It was a joyous occasion for the Ambani family on January 19, as Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani’s son Anant, got engaged to Radhika Merchant, daughter of Shaila and Viren Merchant. Traditions were at the core of their celebration as friends, family members and well-wishers gathered at the Ambani residence to bless the couple in their journey ahead. The engagement ceremony began with the traditional rituals of Gol Dhana and Chunari Vidhi that’s followed down through the ages in the Gujarati Hindu families.

Gol Dhana, literally meaning jaggery and coriander seeds, is a pre-wedding ceremony as per Gujarati traditions where these items are distributed at the groom’s place. The bride’s family visited the groom’s residence with gifts and sweets, and the exchange of greetings and gifts was followed by the elders showering their blessing on the couple. The morning ceremonies concluded with a surprise performance by the Ambani family members led by Nita Ambani. The evening rituals started with members of the Ambani family led by Anant’s sister Isha going to the Merchant residence to invite them. The Merchant family was received at the Ambani residence amidst aarti and chanting of mantras.

The ceremony began with Anant and Radhika seeking Lord Krishna’s blessings at the family temple followed by a Ganesh puja and the reading of traditional Lagan Patrika or the invitation to the upcoming wedding at the engagement venue. Isha Ambani announced the engagement ceremony creating a fun mood for everyone as the family pet dog carried the ring to the venue for the ring ceremony. Amidst cheering by friends and family, the couple exchanged rings at the evening ceremony.