On Friday, billionaire heir Anant Ambani tied the knot with Radhika Merchant , daughter of Viren Merchant, in a star-studded, lavish ceremony. Merchant, a vision of bridal elegance, donned a custom-made lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, complemented by heirloom jewelry passed down through generations in her family. This exquisite ensemble was a stunning example of Panetar—a traditional Gujarati wedding attire.
Let's delve deeper into the cultural significance of this beautiful bridal wear. What is Panetar? The Panetar—a vibrant red and white (or maroon and off-white) lehenga choli— is a gift from the bride's maternal uncle. It's the bride's statement piece for the beginning of the wedding ceremony and rituals.
Another layer of significance is added later with the Gharchola—a gift presented by the mother-in-law. This beautiful drape is worn over the Panetar, gracefully cascading over the bride's shoulders. Interestingly, the Gharchola's loose end is tied to the groom's stole, symbolizing the beautiful union being formed.
Decoding her Panetar bridal attire Merchant's bridal attire was a red and white panetar lehenga , paying homage to the traditional Gujarati rituals. The outfit featured intricate Zardozi cut-work, a flowing ghagra with a detachable trail, a five-meter head veil, a blouse, and a tissue shoulder dupatta. The ghagra was adorned with three red borders showcasing Naqshi, Saadi, and Zardozi techniques.
Hand-embroidered floral booties with stones, sequins, .