The 'Indian Royals' are slated for marriage following long-drawn festivities at Ambani wedding event.

For many Indians, memories of times when there wasn't even a single instance of a Mukesh and Nita Ambani marriage are hard to conjure.

The union between the son of India's wealthiest man, billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and the daughter of another affluent family was never intended to be an understated affair. The industrialist is currently worth around $120bn, and over time they have been seen showing off their vast riches in various ways, from a 27-floor skyscraper home – one that soars above Mumbai – to the previous most expensive wedding in India which cost nearly $100m.

However, even for the Ambani family, the months of preparations leading up to Anant and Radhika's marriage have surpassed all expectations when it comes to extravagance, overt displays of wealth, and sheer perseverance.

The event has taken center stage in both national and international news for several months now. It is believed that the expense of this grand affair could reach upwards of $600m – an enormous sum but only a mere fraction of the Ambani fortune.

An elaborate three-day ceremony will take place across Mumbai, starting on Friday. Domestic media have been obsessively covering every detail of the event, often referring to it as "India's own royal wedding", acknowledging the significant influence and prominence that the Ambani family holds in various spheres of life, from Bollywood to politics.

Critics argue that these displays of wealth highlight India's growing economic inequality amidst its ongoing battle with widespread poverty. However, others celebrate this extravagant wedding as a reflection of India's rich cultural heritage and an opportunity for the Ambani family to showcase their immense success on an international scale.

As Mareesha Parikh, co-founder of Swaaha Weddings, observes: "Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift in India's wedding culture – from being focused primarily on emotions and family traditions to becoming more about making bold statements. The Ambani wedding is just another example of how families, especially those with considerable wealth, are using these events as platforms to project their status both locally and internationally."