Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani’s son Anant Ambani got engaged to Radhika Merchant on January 19. The two got engaged in a ceremony hosted at the Ambani residence in the presence of their friends and family members. The Ambani family did not forget to follow their age-old tradition called Gol Dhana before the exchange of rings took place. Wondering what this tradition is? Let me help you with that.
Gol Dhana At Anant Ambani And Radhika Merchant’s Engagement
Gujarati Hindu families tend to follow age-old traditions like Gol Dhana for generations. The same was followed at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s engagement. Gol Dhana is a pre-wedding ceremony held before the engagement. In Gujarati, “gol” means jaggery and “dhana” means coriander seeds. The event takes place at the groom’s place, and these items are distributed among them.
In addition, a small sum of money known as “shagun” is offered. The bride’s family arrives at the groom’s house with gifts and sweets. This is followed by the ring exchange ceremony between the groom and bride. After exchanging rings, the couple seeks the blessings of all the elders. The other ceremony conducted with Gol Dhana is the Chunari Vidhi, where the bride is given a ‘chunari’ from the groom’s side, which is like a token of blessing and acceptance.
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Gifts, Sweets, Dance Performances And Traditions
The festivities began with Isha Ambani, Anant’s sister, visiting the Merchant residence and inviting them to the Ambani residence. They received a very warm welcome with aarti and the chanting of mantras by the Ambani family. The families of Anant and Radhika went to Lord Krishna’s temple to seek the blessings of the Lord to begin the festivities. They then went to the ceremony venue, where Ganesh puja was performed. This was followed by the reading of the traditional Lagan Patrika.
After this, the age-old traditions of Gol Dhana and Chunari Vidhi were followed with enthusiasm and the blessings of the elders. Both families exchanged sweets and gifts after this. Ambani members led by Nita Ambani gave a surprise dance performance that was loudly cheered and beautifully expressed the familial bond. Isha then announced the engagement of Anant and Radhika and sought the blessings of everyone present for the union.
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Let us know what age-old traditions are followed at your place before engagement.
Cover Image Courtesy: @radhikamerchantfc/Instagram