Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant's wedding, attended by renowned names from the world of fashion, film, politics, business, and more, will be an event for the books. However, despite its global appeal, the nuptials were steeped in customs and traditions followed by Gujarati families. For instance, Nita Ambani, the groom's mother, dressed in a peachy silk ghagra by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla carrying a Raman Divo, featuring an idol of Lord Ganesh. But what is it? Experts suggest that the custom symbolises the dispelling of the evil eye and is a marker of good fortune. "Literally meaning 'lamp of Rama,' it is a little lamp or oil holder with a portrait of the Hindu deity for auspicious beginnings. The light is believed to dispel darkness and bring joy to the couple," said Pandit Jagannath Guruji, a celebrity astrologer. Similarly, Isha Ambani, dressed in a pastel lehenga, was seen carrying a 'Lun’ bell, something she also did during her twin brother Akash Ambani’s 2019 wedding. A ‘Lun bell’ is a small vessel or kalash covered with cloth, filled with coins and salt that jingles when shaken. It is said to be given by the priest once Varghodo, a series of rituals are done before the groom takes his baraat to the wedding venue. It is also said to ward off evil eye during nighttime weddings. Traditionally, the groom’s sister is said to be responsible for creating the sound of the lun close to the groom's ears. "This tradition dates to when the grooms were younger, and weddings took place at night. It was always the groom's sister's responsibility to maintain the sound of lun near the groom's ears to keep him awake," said Guruji. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Isha Ambani ✨ (@isha_ambaniii) These ceremonies showcase Gujarati weddings' rich cultural legacy, "highlighting the value of tradition, spirituality, and familial relationships in the couple's new life together", mentioned Guruji. On July 12, Anant Ambani, the son of India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, tied the knot with his school sweetheart Radhika Merchant at Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai.
