Billionaire heir Anant Ambani, known for his signature big, wide smile, is set to marry his longtime sweetheart Radhika Merchant on July 12, in what is being dubbed India’s “wedding of the year.”
With an estimated net worth of $113.7 billion as of March 2024, the Ambanis are renowned for their lavish celebrations while deeply valuing their Gujarati culture.
This cultural pride is evident as videos of the couple preparing to host the Mameru ceremony at the Ambani residence, Antilia, in Mumbai go viral on social media.
The Mameru ceremony, also known as mosaalu, is a traditional Gujarati ritual where the bride’s maternal uncle, affectionately called Mama, along with her maternal aunt’s husband, visit her bearing sweets and gifts.
During the ceremony, the bride and groom touch the feet of their mama and mami to seek their blessings. This emotional ritual strengthens the bond with maternal relatives.
The gifts are then presented, which include a Panetar saree, jewelry, ivory or white bangles (chura), and a variety of sweets and dry fruits, all beautifully arranged in trousseau trays.
The Mameru ceremony is held separately at both the bride’s and groom’s houses. It signifies the start of the main wedding rituals and celebrations.