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Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anant and Radhika Ambani's wedding ceremony: One year since a celebration that transcended borders and honoured Indian culture
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding was a grand display of Indian culture. The wedding highlighted traditions and spiritual values. It featured Vedic chants and a Banaras recreation. Global leaders and spiritual figures attended. The family emphasized service, including a mass wedding for underprivileged couples. The event showcased India's heritage to a global audience. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads It has been a year since Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, an event that not only dominated headlines but also defined a moment in India's cultural history. In July 2024, the Ambani wedding became a powerful showcase of India's traditions, spiritual depth, and unrivalled sacred Vedic chants resonating across Jamnagar to the immersive recreation of Banaras at Mumbai's Jio World Centre, every detail carried intent. This was opulence and a deliberate affirmation of India's Sanskriti (culture), Samrataa (harmony), and Sambandh (connection).At a time when weddings are often reduced to photo ops and viral reels, the Ambani wedding chose a different path. From Grah Shanti and Shiv Shakti Puja to soulful Bhajans and the celebratory Sangeet, each ritual was performed with a sense of reverence rarely seen at such high-profile was lived-in, authentic, and a heartfelt nod to customs that have endured for approach resonated far beyond Indian shores. With live broadcasts, social media coverage, and guests documenting every nuance, the wedding became a moment of soft power for India, projecting its art, attire, and ethos to a global audience of has a wedding brought together such a diverse group of global leaders, spiritual figures, and cultural icons. Heads of state, captains of industry, and celebrities from across continents participated in ceremonies that were as spiritually profound as they were visually leaders from across the Vedic tradition offered blessings. And, global dignitaries immersed themselves in a world where Bharat's ancient soul met contemporary before the festivities began, the Ambani family anchored the wedding in acts of service. At a Samuhik Vivah, 50 underprivileged couples were married with dignity and joy. Community kitchens served meals to over 1,000 people daily for three weeks. Even household staff from Ambani residences across cities were invited to a special reception, which was an acknowledgement of the unseen hands that make grand events a culture where celebration is inseparable from sharing, this emphasis on seva felt both traditional and the wedding day, the venue transformed into 'An Ode to Banaras', a living, breathing homage to one of India's most sacred cities. Guests wandered through recreated alleys of Kashi, past artisans at work and the aroma of age-old cuisines, experiencing the city's timeless rhythms within Mumbai's ultramodern dress code was strictly Indian. Guests adorned themselves in shimmering sarees, handwoven textiles, and tailored bandhgalas, each ensemble reinforcing the narrative: this was India at its most the Ambani-Merchant wedding stands as more than a memory of excess or elegance. It has set a benchmark for how India celebrates, rooted in faith, informed by history, and unafraid to embrace grandeur as a vehicle for redefined what a modern Indian wedding could be. Not just a family affair, but a cultural statement. A moment when ancient wisdom and contemporary ambition found common ground, and when celebration began, as it should, with service.
Economic Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Anant and Radhika Ambani's wedding ceremony: One year since a celebration that transcended borders and honoured Indian culture
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel It has been a year since Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, an event that not only dominated headlines but also defined a moment in India's cultural history. In July 2024, the Ambani wedding became a powerful showcase of India's traditions, spiritual depth, and unrivalled sacred Vedic chants resonating across Jamnagar to the immersive recreation of Banaras at Mumbai's Jio World Centre, every detail carried intent. This was opulence and a deliberate affirmation of India's Sanskriti (culture), Samrataa (harmony), and Sambandh (connection).wedding philanthropy:At a time when weddings are often reduced to photo ops and viral reels, the Ambani wedding chose a different path. From Grah Shanti and Shiv Shakti Puja to soulful Bhajans and the celebratory Sangeet, each ritual was performed with a sense of reverence rarely seen at such high-profile was lived-in, authentic, and a heartfelt nod to customs that have endured for approach resonated far beyond Indian shores. With live broadcasts, social media coverage, and guests documenting every nuance, the wedding became a moment of soft power for India, projecting its art, attire, and ethos to a global audience of has a wedding brought together such a diverse group of global leaders, spiritual figures, and cultural icons. Heads of state, captains of industry, and celebrities from across continents participated in ceremonies that were as spiritually profound as they were visually leaders from across the Vedic tradition offered blessings. And, global dignitaries immersed themselves in a world where Bharat's ancient soul met contemporary before the festivities began, the Ambani family anchored the wedding in acts of service. At a Samuhik Vivah, 50 underprivileged couples were married with dignity and joy. Community kitchens served meals to over 1,000 people daily for three weeks. Even household staff from Ambani residences across cities were invited to a special reception, which was an acknowledgement of the unseen hands that make grand events a culture where celebration is inseparable from sharing, this emphasis on seva felt both traditional and the wedding day, the venue transformed into 'An Ode to Banaras', a living, breathing homage to one of India's most sacred cities. Guests wandered through recreated alleys of Kashi, past artisans at work and the aroma of age-old cuisines, experiencing the city's timeless rhythms within Mumbai's ultramodern dress code was strictly Indian. Guests adorned themselves in shimmering sarees, handwoven textiles, and tailored bandhgalas, each ensemble reinforcing the narrative: this was India at its most the Ambani-Merchant wedding stands as more than a memory of excess or elegance. It has set a benchmark for how India celebrates, rooted in faith, informed by history, and unafraid to embrace grandeur as a vehicle for redefined what a modern Indian wedding could be. Not just a family affair, but a cultural statement. A moment when ancient wisdom and contemporary ambition found common ground, and when celebration began, as it should, with service.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anant & Radhika Ambani wedding ceremony: 365 days later, the culturally rich wedding that redefined India's global image
It's been a year since the union of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, a wedding that didn't just make headlines but etched itself into the cultural consciousness of a nation. In July 2024, the Ambani wedding was not merely a spectacular celebration of love; it was a resounding showcase of India, which showcased its sacred traditions, spiritual depth, and boundless hospitality. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Times of India (@timesofindia) From the hallowed chants at Jamnagar to the exquisite recreations of Banaras at the Jio World Centre, every element was steeped in meaning. It was a wedding that reaffirmed what India truly stands for - sanskriti, samarasata, and sambandh (culture, harmony, and connection). More than a wedding: A cultural landmark In an age of fast trends and fleeting moments, the Ambani wedding stood still, rooted firmly in the timelessness of Hindu customs. From Grah Shanti and Shiv Shakti Puja to the joyous Sangeet and soulful Bhajans, the couple chose to honour every ritual with reverence. It wasn't just a performance, it was a heartfelt prayer. It wasn't grandeur for spectacle's sake; it was tradition, celebrated and lived. This authenticity touched a chord with people across the globe. The wedding became India's soft power moment with its art, attire, and ethos broadcast to billions, making the world pause and admire. A gathering like no other Never before had such a confluence of global dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and cultural icons gathered under one roof for a personal ceremony. From Prime Ministers and Presidents to CEOs and celebrities, every guest from Varanasi to Vienna was drawn into a world where Bharat was the soul of the experience. Religious leaders from every corner of the Vedic spectrum blessed the couple. Heads of state and titans of industry joined in ceremonies that have been performed for millennia. It was India's unique ability to merge the spiritual with the spectacular. Seva before celebration Before the festivities began, the Ambani family anchored the moment in seva. A Samuhik Vivah (mass wedding) was held for 50 underprivileged couples. Daily community kitchens fed over 1,000 people for three weeks. In true Indian spirit, joy was shared, not hoarded. Every staff member from the Ambani households, across cities, was invited for a special reception, ensuring those who make a home function were part of the celebration, too. An ode to India's eternal soul On the wedding day, the venue transformed into 'An Ode to Banaras', a sacred, living museum of the ghats, arts, crafts, and cuisines of one of the world's oldest cities. Guests walked through the recreated lanes of Kashi, absorbing the timeless rhythms of Indian spirituality. The dress code, resplendently Indian, wasn't a formality. It became a tribute. Sarees shimmered, bandhgalas stood tall, and India's centuries-old textile traditions came alive, turning every guest into an ambassador of its beauty. The legacy of a moment One year later, what remains is not just the memory of a grand wedding, but a cultural benchmark. Anant and Radhika's union became a moment of reckoning for how India presents itself to the world: not as a country of contradictions, but of confluence. A nation where modern ambition bows to ancient wisdom. Where faith and fashion walk hand in hand. Where celebrations begin with service.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
CMs enjoy cultural evening at KV Dham
Varanasi: During the 25th Central Regional Council meeting in Varanasi district, the chief ministers of four states, including UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Dev Sai, along with other dignitaries and senior officials, visited Kashi Vishwanath Dham on Tuesday to seek blessings. The temple administration welcomed all guests and ensured proper arrangements for their visit and worship. As part of the event, a grand cultural evening was organised at the Tryambakeshwar auditorium located in Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The cultural programme featured a variety of artistic performances. The artists captivated the audience with their exceptional performances. The programme showcased the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi through a series of classical performances. You Can Also Check: Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi Pt Anshuman Maharaj's sarod recital began with a melodious alap in Raga Yaman, followed by a complex jor-jhala sequence. Prof Supriya Shah's sitar performance featured intricate taans and layakari, demonstrating the Banaras gharana style. Abhishek Kumar presented soul-stirring flute compositions, whilst Pt Vibhas Maharaj and Uday Shankar provided excellent tabla accompaniment throughout the evening. The young dancers performed traditional Kathak pieces, depicting various aspects of Indian mythology through their graceful movements and expressions.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Khushi Kapoor gives sister Janhvi Kapoor a head massage ahead of her big Cannes 2025 debut
made a memorable red carpet debut at the renowned Cannes Film Festival during the premiere of her movie 'Homebound'. Her breathtaking looks caught everyone's attention. Recently, Orry released a behind-the-scenes clip showing Janhvi getting ready for the event, featuring a soothing head massage from her sister, Khushi Kapoor. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Fun Moments at Cannes with Friends On Tuesday, Orry posted several photos and videos on Instagram showcasing fun moments with friends at Cannes. The snapshots captured him and Khushi strolling through French streets, taking a boat trip with Shikhar Pahariya, and indulging in ice cream by the ocean. A Relaxing Champi Before the Big Event He also posted a video capturing a relaxing moment where Khushi gave Janhvi a champi. Janhvi remarked, 'This is how I prep, you need a good champi, no matter where you are.' When Khushi wondered if she was doing it properly, Janhvi encouraged her, saying, 'You should go harder. I think you're being conscious about your nails.' Khushi then admitted she was careful to avoid pulling Janhvi's hair. Celebrating Indian Roots at Cannes The video featured the caption, 'You can take the girl out of India but can't take India out of the girl.' Additional photos and clips captured Orry enjoying moments with Mouni Roy and Urvashi Rautela. When sharing the post, he added, 'If you lament, that's a shame you Cannes hang with us.' Janhvi's Show-Stopping Red Carpet Looks Janhvi's debut stole the spotlight, with her and cousin impressing everyone with their stunning red carpet ensembles. In a heartfelt homage to her mother, Sridevi, Janhvi wore a beautifully crafted handwoven real tissue skirt and corset from Banaras, elegantly finishing the look with a dupatta draped over her head. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Upcoming Projects for Janhvi Kapoor On the work front, Janhvi is gearing up for her upcoming film 'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari', where she stars opposite . The movie, directed by Shashank Khaitan, also features and Sanya Malhotra in prominent roles and is slated to hit theaters on September 12. Additionally, Janhvi will be seen sharing screen space with Sidharth Malhotra in 'Param Sundari', which is scheduled for release on July 25.
