Isha-Anand wedding: Ambanis hold ‘Anna Seva’ seeking Udaipur’s blessings, first official photos released

The pre-wedding celebrations of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal got off to a very traditional start on Friday with a special “Anna Seva” organised by the two families. A press release by from the Ambani family said that as part of the “Anna Seva”, 5100 persons were served food. They will be served three meals a day for four days. Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal are set to get married in Mumbai on 12 December. Ahead of the wedding, the families have gathered in Udaipur for “sangeet” and other pre-wedding celebrations slated for 8 and 9 December. Upwards of 1500 guests — national and international celebrities across all walks of life — have started arriving in Udaipur for the same. [caption id=“attachment_5693841” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Isha Ambani[/caption] The “Anna Seva” is a way of expressing the family’s gratitude to Udaipur city for hosting them and their guests and to seek the city’s blessings for the bride and groom. Isha Ambani was present at the auspicious event with parents Nita and Mukesh Ambani and brother, Anant Ambani. Anand Piramal was at the event with his parents, Ajay and Swati Piramal. Here is the full text of the first official statement issued by the family: As a mark of respect and gratitude to the city of Udaipur, and to seek their blessings for the upcoming wedding of their daughter, the family has commenced a special “Anna Seva” - taking up the auspicious task of feeding 5100 people (majority of them with special abilities) three times everyday from 7th to 10th December, to coincide with the pre-wedding functions of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal on 8th & 9th December. [caption id=“attachment_5693851” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Nita and Mukesh Ambani[/caption] Family members, including Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Ajay and Swati Piramal, Isha and Anand were present at this Anna Seva function, serving people and interacting with them. The Anna Seva functions will continue for four days, from 7th to 10th December and will be performed three times a day at the Narayan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur. In addition, the pre-wedding festivities will also see the setting up of a specially curated exhibit called the Swadesh Bazaar that will showcase 108 traditoinal Indian Crafts and art forms from all different regions of the country for the national and international guests. Presenting the art will be master craftsmen and craftswomen themselves, who are keeping these traditional arts alive. Creating an interesting experience as also an immersion into the India’s cultural heritage. [caption id=“attachment_5693881” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Nita, Mukesh and Isha Ambani[/caption] Swadesh Bazaar is a unique concept to encourage the craftsmanship of traditional Indian artisans, especially for a lot of indigenous crafts that need conservation and revival and have been supported by Reliance Foundation over the years. The Foundation aims to broaden and deepen its support to the goals of Swadesh Bazaar on a bigger and more sustainable scale in future. From the rich Kanjeevaram, exclusive Patola, intricate Chikankari to fine Bandhani, exhibits cover over 30 types of textiles and weaves. Depicting folktales and local legends, artists will showcase ancient painting forms like Gond, Madhubani, Phad, Warli and Thangka. Weavers, potters and sculptures from all around the country will make this a mega celebration of art and culture. [caption id=“attachment_5693541” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] The Ambanis and Piramals at the Anna Seva ceremony in Udaipur[/caption] This unique exhibit has not just provided livelihoods to thousands of such artisans, but also giving an opportunity to showcase their rare works from every nook and corner of India, for people’s interest, appreciation and support.