Radhika Merchant celebrates ‘mameru’ before wedding to Anant Ambani. Know all about this Gujarati tradition

During the ceremony, gifts like clothes, jewellery, and sweets are exchanged, followed by a feast and celebration.

Raval said it is important for the mama (the bride’s mother’s brother) to be present for the ceremony as he is the one who bestows these gifts on the bride. Gifts like pahonchi, which is a ring given to the bride, and the bridal gharchola, which would become the outfit for the bride to be wedded in, are given by the mama, basically the bride’s mother’s side of the family.

 

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The mameru is also performed during a boy’s ‘janeu’ ceremony, which follows the same pattern, explained Raval.

Nowadays the bridal mameru also involves the groom’s mother’s side of the family, like in the Ambanis’ case, but they’re not traditionally a part of it, said Raval.

For her mameru, Radhika Merchant turned heads in a custom-made bandhini lehenga by designer Manish Malhotra. The stunning lehenga featured a vibrant Rani pink hue, crafted from luxurious Banarasi brocade. This rich fabric provided a base for the intricate Bandhani prints, a traditional Gujarati technique known for its intricate patterns created through tie-dyeing. The 35 meters of Bandhani fabric used in the lehenga skirt created a visually captivating effect.

The exquisite gold zardosi taar embroidery added a touch of opulence, while the borders of the lehenga featured a unique and meaningful detail – embroidery of the Durga Maa shloka. This addition imbued the outfit with a sense of spirituality and auspiciousness.

Some Bollywood celebrities were also in attendance at the ceremony. Janhvi Kapoor attended with her rumoured beau Shikhar Pahariya. Manushi Chhillar and Orry were also present.

Check out the rest of our coverage of the Ambani wedding here.