Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, discussed the significance of the ‘Kanyadaan‘ ceremony at the wedding of her younger son Anant Ambani to Radhika Merchant.
She emphasized that in Indian culture, ‘Kanyadaan‘ is considered the most noble of acts, yet she expressed that no parent truly “gives away” their daughter.
Ambani reflected on the emotional complexity of parting with a daughter, describing her as a cherished blessing rather than a possession to be transferred. She highlighted that a daughter enriches both her birth and married families with happiness, love, and light.
During her speech, emotions ran high among guests, including her husband Mukesh Ambani, as she underscored the elevated status of women in Indian spiritual and cultural traditions. She cited scriptures that celebrate daughters as bearers of auspiciousness and divine power.
Further explaining the ritual’s cultural significance, Ambani noted that ‘Kanyadaan‘ symbolizes the bride’s parents accepting the groom as their own son and trusting his family with their beloved daughter.
Drawing from personal experience as a daughter, a mother to a daughter, and now a mother-in-law, Ambani reiterated that no parent ever truly “gives away” their daughter. She stressed that daughters are the greatest blessings, embodiments of Goddess Laxmi, who bring abundance and auspiciousness into their homes and lives.
The grand wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant on July 12 was attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities, socialites like Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian, and several Indian politicians.
