Anant-Radhika’s wedding to channel Kashi’s eternal charm, says Nita Ambani; details inside

Marking a blend of tradition and opulence, the nuptials of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are set to showcase a unique homage to the sacred city of Varanasi. 

Nita Ambani, the mother of the groom, has unveiled plans to infuse the wedding celebrations with the essence of Kashi, as Varanasi is also known. In a video of her paying ode to Kashi, she says, “For me and my family it has always been important to seek the blessings of our devis and devtas, before any auspicious beginning.”

She continues, “I’ve always been fascinated by Kashi, the oldest living city… the city of light, the cradle of Indian civilisation. Throughout Anant and Radhika’s wedding celebrations, we have tried to pay tribute to India’s glorious culture and heritage brought alive by thousands of artisans, karigars, weavers and craftsmen.”

 

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This decision not only highlights the Ambani family’s deep reverence for Indian culture but also brings the ancient city’s rich heritage into the spotlight of a high-profile event. 

Through carefully curated decor, cuisine, and ceremonial elements, the wedding aims to reimagine the purity, positivity, and timeless beauty of Varanasi, offering guests a glimpse into the heart of Indian civilisation.

Significance of incorporating Varanasi themes in this wedding

Narendra Bahadur Singh, spiritual and mythology historian from Ayodhya and Varanasi, says, “Varanasi, often referred to as Kashi, is not merely a city; it’s a living testament to India’s rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and culture. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Varanasi is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally. It holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike. 

“The city’s ghats lining the sacred Ganges River are sites of daily rituals, prayers, and cremations, representing the cyclical nature of life and death. The numerous temples dotting the city, each with its own unique mythology and architecture, contribute to the city’s spiritual aura.”

By choosing Varanasi as a central theme, he says, the Ambani family isn’t merely selecting a location; they are invoking the spirit of a city that embodies India’s deep-rooted traditions and timeless wisdom.

Astrologer Rakessh Goswami, CEO of 96Astro, adds, “The incorporation of Varanasi themes in Anant and Radhika Ambani’s wedding underscores a growing trend in India where traditional cultural elements are celebrated in modern events. This trend reflects a revival and appreciation of India’s rich heritage, blending contemporary celebrations with ancient customs.”

Specific ways the Ambani family are incorporating Varanasi’s cultural and religious elements into the wedding decor, cuisine, and ceremonies 

The wedding decor is expected to be a visual feast, meticulously curated to reflect the essence of Varanasi. Singh says, “The use of Banarasi silk, renowned for its intricate designs and rich textures, will likely adorn the venue, creating an ambiance of regal elegance. Traditional lamps, perhaps inspired by the earthen diyas that illuminate the ghats during Ganga Aarti, will add a warm glow and spiritual touch.”

Floral arrangements, potentially featuring marigolds and lotus blossoms, will echo the vibrant colours and fragrant offerings seen in Varanasi’s temples, Singh notes. The overall aesthetic will likely transport guests to the heart of Varanasi, immersing them in the city’s unique charm and artistic traditions.”

The culinary experience at the wedding promises to be a gastronomic journey through Varanasi’s flavourful streets. The menu is anticipated to showcase a variety of local delicacies, each dish carrying the essence of the city’s culinary heritage. 

Guests will savour the tangy flavours of Varanasi chaat, a popular street food made with a medley of ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas, spices, and chutneys. The crispy kachori-sabzi, a savoury pastry filled with lentils and served with a spicy potato curry, is another potential highlight. For those with a sweet tooth, an array of mithais, or traditional Indian sweets, is likely to be on offer, including the famous Banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation filled with sweet and aromatic ingredients, informs Singh.

Guests will savour the tangy flavours of Varanasi chaat (Source: Freepik)

The wedding ceremonies are expected to be steeped in tradition, says Singh, drawing inspiration from the ancient rituals performed in Varanasi’s temples and ghats. “Vedic chants and hymns, recited by priests hailing from the holy city, will likely set a sacred and auspicious tone for the proceedings. These rituals, passed down through generations, will invoke blessings for the couple and their families, connecting them to the spiritual energy of Varanasi. The ceremonies might also include symbolic gestures and practices unique to the region, offering guests a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.”

Reflection of broader trends in modern Indian society

According to Singh, the Ambani family’s embrace of traditional Indian culture in their wedding is not an isolated phenomenon. It’s a reflection of a broader trend in modern Indian society, where there’s a growing desire to reconnect with cultural roots and heritage. “This trend is fueled by a multitude of factors, including a sense of national pride, a yearning for authenticity, and a desire to preserve traditions in a rapidly changing world.”

Goswami adds, “This trend influences others to embrace and promote cultural heritage, fostering a sense of unity and continuity with India’s historical roots. It also sets a precedent for other high-profile events to incorporate and celebrate regional cultural elements, thereby preserving and promoting India’s diverse cultural landscape.”

By weaving Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual elements into their wedding, Singh remarks, the Ambanis are setting a new benchmark for modern Indian celebrations. “They are demonstrating that tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously, creating events that are both meaningful and visually stunning. This approach is likely to influence other couples and families, encouraging them to explore and incorporate their own cultural heritage into their weddings and other celebrations.”

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