bill gates luxury yacht

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In photos: Bill Gates-owned world's first hydrogen megayacht unveiled

Posted: May 6, 2024 | Last updated: May 6, 2024

Project 821 features a Nemo lounge, offering spectacular underwater views.

Project 821 was launched at Feadship's Amsterdam facility.

A dedicated hydrogen storage room allows Project 821 to cruise emissions-free.

Project 821 features expansive shell doors and slide-out balconies for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Design details like door trims and railings create a sense of continuity throughout Project 821's decks.

Project 821 is currently listed for sale with Edmiston.

Project 821 includes a private cinema for onboard entertainment.

Project 821 has a fully-equipped gym and a spacious wellness area.

Project 821 is equipped with a variety of tenders.

Design details like door trims and railings create a sense of continuity.

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Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Bill Gates Enjoys Sardinia Charter on board Superyacht SERENE

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By Editorial Team   8 August 2014

The 133m/436ft superyacht SERENE has welcomed aboard the world’s wealthiest man, Bill Gates and his family for a charter vacation in the beautiful cruising grounds of Sardinia .

The Microsoft founder and philanthropist along with his wife and three children have been enjoying the Mediterranean summer in style this week during their annual vacation off the coast of Porto Cervo. As one of the largest superyachts in the world and equipped with every conceivable amenity in addition to an in impressive crew of 52, the 2011 Fincantieri-built motor yacht SERENE was the perfect choice for this ultra-luxurious vacation.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, the on board helipad was put to good use with trips to the mainland for some tennis lessons followed by an afternoon out on the jet-skis to entertain the kids. If that wasn’t enough, there is also a submarine, snowroom, cinema, playroom, multiple pools, a climbing wall and a trans-deck waterslide on offer to keep them entertained for hours. 

In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.

The grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun however during a charter on the award-winning SERENE, with an exhaustive array of facilities. For total relaxation, the private beach club features a sauna and secluded sunbathing area, there is also a sundeck dance floor, two Jacuzzi’s and numerous al fresco dining areas to choose from. For entertaining meanwhile, SERENE provides luxurious interior living spaces to include a chic piano lounge with cocktail bar while outside a wet bar, barbeque, pizza oven and Teppanyaki grill ensure fantastic Mediterranean soirees. 

She is one of a handful of yachts able to charter with more than 12 guests, boasting 12 stunning staterooms to accommodate up to 24 guests, comprising a master suite, VIP, seven doubles and three twin cabins. With design from Espen Oeino and interior styling by Reymond Langton, SERENE has been meticulously design to offer charter vacations of the highest calibre while ensuring stylish, comfortable and versatile living spaces. 

In an interview earlier this year, Mr Gates said he doesn't plan to stay at the office for days at a time as he did in his younger days when he had 'energy and naiveté' on his side. In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.  Since its founding, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has raised and donated billions towards research and development to tackle problems throughout the world to help the world’s poorest people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. 

Whether it’s a classic sailing yacht or magnificent luxury vessel such as SERENE, charter yacht vacations offer the world’s most high profile names the freedom to experience private time with loved ones away from the spotlight. Charter rates for SERENE start at €1,600,000 per week to €2,800,000 plus expenses, for further information contact your yacht charter broker . Alternatively take a look at the full selection of motor yachts available for charter . 

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372 foot long and priced at $645 million – Bill Gates has just bought the worlds first hydrogen-powered superyacht

[Via: Engadget ]

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A Closer Look at Serene: The $330 Million Yacht Bill Gates Chartered

While many people must scrimp and save to afford a family holiday, that is not the case for the rich and famous, who have the financial means to go wherever they want whenever they want. You will not find them in budget motels or trying out a destination’s free attractions. Instead, wealthy people can choose the most luxurious accommodation and unique experiences possible for their vacation. One such person who can afford these luxuries is Bill Gates who, with a personal net worth of $95.4 billion, is the second richest person in the world. He has even chartered a yacht worth $330 million to enjoy a vacation with his family.

According to Boat International , Gates chartered a yacht called ‘Serene’ for an estimated $5 million per week. He did this to enjoy a break away with his wife and three children. The family enjoyed a week together on the yacht just off the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, in August 2014.

The 133-foot yacht is one of the largest in the world, and it is owned by Yuri Scheffler, the Stolichnaya vodka magnet. This yacht was delivered to him in 2011, and he has had it on the charter market ever since. Built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, it has a rather impressive crew of 53 to take care of the needs of those who charter the yacht. So, what is on the inside of this ship to make it such an amazing experience that is worthy of the high price tag?

The Yacht Charter Fleet has ways for its travelers to enjoy activities both off and onboard. The helipad is available so that guests can take trips to the mainland to enjoy a little sightseeing, a meal in a restaurant, or a local activity. There are also jet-skis available for some fun one the waves around the boat or to travel back to the mainland to enjoy some time away from the yacht. Furthermore, the yacht has its very own submarine. However, you might wonder why anyone would want to get away from the yacht when there is so much to enjoy onboard, including activities for children. Just some of the activities and amenities on board for entertainment include a climbing wall, a trans-deck waterslide, a snow room, a playroom, multiple pools, and a cinema. This means that there are plenty of things onboard to keep the children entertained.

This yacht is not all about the kids having fun, as there are plenty of things for the adults, too. In fact, Serene has a myriad of amenities spread over its six decks that make this a unique way to vacation. From the outside, one of the ship’s most impressive features is its supersized bathtub on the sun deck. The award-winning Serene has a private beach club that has a secluded sunbathing area and a sauna. There are also two Jacuzzis and a sundeck dance floor. Opposite the relaxing hot tun tucked underneath the ship’s observational deck is a fully stocked wet bar with extra sun loungers.

Two of the indoor living and entertaining spaces include a cocktail lounge and a piano bar, while outdoor there are various al fresco dining areas, such as a wet bar, a barbeque, a Teppanyaki grill, and a pizza oven. An unusual space in this yacht is the underwater observation lounge, which many people would find a relaxing area as they watch marine life existing in tranquility around them. Serene also has rather impressive accommodation and it can accommodate up to 24 guests. There are 12 luxurious staterooms, include a master suite, a VIP suite, seven double suites, and three twin cabins. The interior design is the work of Espen Oeino with styling by Reymond Langton. The duo has created living spaces that are stylish and opulent while also being comfortable and versatile.

One of the most impressive areas in terms of styling is the sky lounge. This room is decorated in shades of cream that is accented by darker colors and finished with wooden fixtures. It is equipped with sofas, chairs, and coffee tables for relaxing, and boasts some of the most impressive views from the ship which you can view from almost any vantage point. Another fantastic space is the main lounge, which is a more formal area for entertaining. The main color used is white, which gives the room a bright and airy feel, and some warmth is added with darker tones. Central to the room is a piano, which is surrounded by cocktail tables. An unusual feature of this room is its chandelier. The lounge is located directly above the main dining area, and the chandelier drops between the two rooms.

A double staircase leads down to the chic dining area below. It is set to accommodate a maximum of 24 guests and features two 12-seater tables. However, there is the possibility of entertaining even more people as the tables are extendable and there is plenty of space. This means you can host a banquet in this room. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the rooms give spectacular panoramic ocean views.

Bill Gates’ time on the yacht with his family is part of his plan to take a more relaxed approach to life and to spend some time away from the office. He has said that he doesn’t have the energy he had when he was younger and plans to balance running his Microsoft Empire and enjoying time with his family better now that he is older. This includes taking vacations away with his loved one. Serene and other chartered yachts are the perfect way for this billionaire businessman to relax and have some fun in comfort and privacy.

Since Gates’ vacation on the yacht, Scheffler has sold the superyacht to Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia says Yacht Harbor . The Saudi Arabian royal paid a whopping $458 million for the yacht in July 2015. The yacht was once the ninth largest in the world, but it has now dropped into the 15th place because even more impressive superyachts have been built since.

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Is mallorca good for luxury travel and investment.

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Investing in luxury real estate at popular travel destinations is a growing trend as real estate investors seek to diversify their portfolios beyond the traditional commercial and multifamily strategies. It’s possible to blend your love for travel while maximizing your return on investment in desirable real estate markets.

PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN - MAY 25: Swimmers on a beach in Palm (Photo by Isaac Buj/Europa Press via ... [+] Getty Images)

What’s the Future of Luxury Tourism?

Worldwide demand for luxury travel is not just growing, it's booming. With a rise in global affluence and the younger generations prioritizing travel experiences, the demand for luxury travel is strengthening. Moreover, modern technology, competitive travel costs, and the expansion of remote work have made it easier to reach these exciting destinations, further fueling the growth of the luxury industry.

According to Grand View Research , these factors contribute to a forecasted 7.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the United States luxury travel market from 2024 to 2030. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific market has an 8.9% CAGR estimate over the same period.

Luxury tourism is also growing in Europe, which accounted for 34.50% of luxury tourism in 2023 alone. Adventure travel and birdwatching are two of the most sought-after European luxury travel trends. Both are favorite pastimes in Mallorca, a cornerstone of Spain’s Balearic Islands and one of the world’s best spots for luxury travel and real estate investors.

Paul Misar, for instance, has over 30 years of international real estate experience and over 12 years of investing experience in Mallorca, where he currently operates his main office in the well-preserved coastal city of Palma. He has invested in various real estate ventures across different countries and has extensive experience in the German and Austrian markets since 1992.

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Paul Misar states that his current Mallorcan real estate strategy is to “buy villas, penthouses and ... [+] other kinds of real estate just in the best location at the best price we can get.

Right now, the international real estate investor is most optimistic about Mallorca’s luxury real estate market, which offers properties costing from three million to thirty million euros. He focuses on holiday rentals and luxury villas across the island in some of the best parts positioned for investment growth.

Investing in Mallorca Real Estate

Aspiring investors may pursue Paul Misar’s local expertise and scout for opportunities on this historic island. The international real estate investor favors Mallorca for several reasons.

“The island, with a great variety of landscape and coasts—including over 200 beaches and bays—with impressive cliffs and 330 annual sunny days is safe,” says Misar. “The island has the wonderful Serra de Tramuntana which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People love (Mallorca) especially as United States tourists discover the island more and more since 2023.”

Further optimism cases for investing in this idyllic Spanish island include:

• Minimal entry barriers: Mallorca has less rigorous regulations and tax policies than other European real estate markets.
• Favorable real estate prices: Real estate investors can benefit from the economic tailwinds of appreciating property values.
• Celebrity popularity: Mallorca is one of Europe’s finest playgrounds for the rich and famous. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and basketball legend Michael Jordan regularly visit by yacht. Other celebrities, such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, own private villas or fincas (restored medieval farmhouses).
• Billionaire investors: Some of the world’s wealthiest individuals have investment property exposure through luxury hotels. The list includes Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson, Bernard Arnault (owner of luxury fashion LVMH Group), and the Quandt Family (principal owners of BMW).
• More direct flights: Airlines are adding more direct flights from the United States and other international departure points. Spanish airport operator Aena reports that Palma de Mallorca had the third-highest passenger volume in 2023, only lagging Madrid and Barcelona.
• Increased interest from international visitors: Award-winning journalist Larry Olmsted listed the island as one of the world’s top vacation destinations that are becoming less overlooked by international travelers. The island has been a long-time favorite among Europeans but was mainly just a hiking and biking destination for travelers coming from other parts of the world.

Misar says these positive travel trends help make this iconic Spanish island one of the world's most attractive real estate markets.

Best Places to Buy in Mallorca

Adapting investment legend Warren Buffett’s strategy of buying wonderful companies at fair prices, Paul Misar states that his current Mallorcan real estate strategy is to “buy villas, penthouses and other kinds of real estate just in the best location at the best price we can get.”

With this mindset, Misar encourages investors to start looking for properties in a handful of on-island locations:

• Costa de Planes
• Port Andratx
• Puerto Portals

Each community has different luxury and lifestyle perks that may appeal to your particular investment strategy or travel interests. For instance, Misar likens the inland Son Vida to being the “Beverly Hills of Palma de Mallorca” with hilltop views of the region while Puerto Portals offers marina access with routine celebrity sightings.

Real estate investing is notoriously expensive and exclusive to investors with deep financial pockets. Managing luxurious properties also requires experience. Thankfully, Paul Misar and his wife, Jana, are developing several initiatives to prepare the next generation of real estate investors.

Regarding Mallorca specifically, they are planning an investment fund for smaller budgets requiring as little as $200,000 U.S. dollars (USD) to gain exposure to the destination’s best neighborhoods, including those mentioned above.

Additionally, Paul and Jana’s personal mission is to teach financial education to everyone attending their academies. The investor couple is also launching a real estate agent franchising system that can make buying, selling, or renting properties easier and help individuals build wealth.

Along with author Brian Tracy, Paul is publishing Limitless Abundance: The Universal Laws of Building Wealth and Personal Freedom in over 50 countries this summer. This book consists of 12 chapters discussing 19 timeless money laws. Misar observes that achieving financial independence is easier than ever as “We live in the richest time in all of human history. We are surrounded by more wealth and influence than ever before.”

“Never before have so many millionaires and billionaires lived in human history,” Misar concludes. Therefore, Mallorca is one of the best luxury travel destinations to witness this financial boon firsthand. Now, it can be an excellent opportunity to earn a competitive return on investment as real estate values appear poised to increase from the percolating worldwide interest in the island among the famous and wealthy.

Mallorca is one of the best places to invest in real estate benefiting from the steady increase of luxury travel demand. While this island has always been a popular getaway, it’s becoming a popular destination for international travelers. Increased travel interest plus an investor-friendly real estate market can be a win-win for investing and accessing the island’s most exclusive locations.

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Every ceremony at India's star-studded Ambani wedding, explained

Mansee Khurana

Nita Ambani, wife of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, arrives holding a lamp with an image of elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha, for the wedding of their youngest son, Anant Ambani in Mumbai on Friday. Rafiq Maqbool/AP hide caption

What are reality TV star Kim Kardashian, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and famous Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah all doing in the same room together?

Attending a wedding, of course .

Anati Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in Asia , married Radhika Merchant in a three-day wedding ceremony in Mumbai this weekend .

The event, which has been criticized for being a display of extreme privilege in an impoverished country, has been capturing headlines for most of the year, as pre-wedding ceremonies and celebrations have featured appearances by some of the most famous names in the world.

The wedding is estimated to cost around $132 million to $156 million , but the exact figure is unknown.

Anant Ambani and his fiancée Radhika Merchant pose for a picture during their Sangeet ceremony in Mumbai, on July 5. Sujit Jaiswal/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

This isn’t the first time the Ambanis have made headlines for their lavish weddings: In 2018, Beyoncé performed a concert at a pre-wedding celebration of Isha Ambani, the daughter of Mukesh Ambani.

Mukesh Ambani is the owner of Reliance Industries , a multinational conglomerate that sells everything from petrochemicals to cheap phones .

Indian weddings are known to be lavish, opulent affairs, with multiple religious ceremonies and parties to celebrate the groom and bride. It’s a multibillion-dollar industry, making it the second-largest wedding market in the world, behind the United States.

Indian weddings stand out because they go on for multiple days, with different events and celebrations that each have their own cultural significance.

The Ambani wedding is no exception. Celebrations started four months before the wedding on Friday.

Indian weddings differ greatly depending on which region of India families are from, and can be much smaller in some cases. The Ambanis are from Gujarat, a state in Northern India , and they have followed many of the typical customs of that region.

The wedding itself

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani (center) takes his son Anant Ambani by the hand as they walk with Nita Ambani (right) at the wedding in Mumbai on Friday. Rajanish Kakade/AP hide caption

On Monday, the week’s wedding celebrations started with a private haldi ceremony. In a haldi ceremony, a turmeric paste is spread on the bride and groom’s face or bodies by their friends and family. Haldi, which means turmeric in Hindi, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties . Some consider haldi to have a purifying effect on the bride and groom. The ceremony is usually private and attended by only the closest friends and families, a tradition the Ambanis followed.

The wedding itself began on Friday and lasted well into the next day. The main ceremony took place in Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Center, which has a capacity of 16,000 people. A red carpet was rolled out for the guests, who included wrestler and actor John Cena, singer Nick Jonas and reality TV stars Kim and Khole Kardashian .

American actor and professional wrestler John Cena gestures as he arrives at the wedding in Mumbai on Friday. Rajanish Kakade/AP hide caption

A traditional Hindu wedding usually has the bride and groom tied together with a piece of cloth as the groom leads the bride around a pit of fire seven times. These are called the pheras , or the marriage vows. A pundit, or Hindu priest, usually chants the vows in Sanskrit as the couple circle the flames.

Each round around the fire symbolizes a different commitment the bride and groom are making to each other and to God. Once the vows are over, the couple is officially married. The ceremony can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours depending on the exact traditions the couple is following.

The crowd at the Ambani wedding was so large that police had to divert traffic around the venue It’s monsoon season in India, and heavy rains have been disrupting flights into Mumbai all week.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani (left) waves to photographers as he poses with his family members on the occasion of engagement of his son Anant Ambani (third from left), with Radhika Merchant (second from left) during a ceremony in Mumbai, on Jan. 19, 2023. Rajanish Kakade/AP hide caption

The (multiple) engagement ceremonies

After a quiet proposal at a temple in December, Radhika Merchant took part in her first engagement celebration in January: a traditional Indian mehndi ceremony. The ceremony, also known as a henna ceremony, is typically held the night before a wedding. The bride has henna, a type of dye that leaves a red-orange stain, applied to her hands and feet. Mehndi ceremonies are usually organized by the bride’s side of the family, and are meant as a way to give the bride a chance to relax, as henna takes a few hours to develop after applying.

Hindu priestesses fight the patriarchy, one Indian wedding at a time

After that ceremony , the pair held a gol dhana ceremony, a Gurjati engagement event in which sweets made of coriander seeds are exchanged by the bride and groom. Typically, the bride arrives at the groom’s house with these sweets and other gifts, which are exchanged between families to symbolize their engagement.

Ambani's gol dhana ceremony drew in some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including actors Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, who are household names in India.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

The pre-wedding celebrations, cruises and performances

The wedding first made headlines when singer Rihanna performed at a pre-wedding celebration in the family’s hometown in March. The 1,200-guest list included Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

Shortly after their star-studded event, the family set off on a four-day European cruise on a luxury ship. There was a strict no-phones policy, but leaked footage showed singers including Pitbull and the Backstreet Boys performing on the yacht. Katy Perry also performed for the family at one of their stops on their cruise.

Goats and Soda

Memories of my mom are wrapped up in her saris.

The Ambanis didn’t just settle for one ultra-rare performance at their pre-wedding festivities: just last week, Justin Bieber performed at yet another pre-wedding celebration at an arts center in Mumbai founded by Anant Merchant’s mother.

Although the Bieber performance was what was officially given the title, all of these parties, spanning multiple continents and months, might be considered part of a sangeet . Usually, the sangeet is a day-long celebration of dancing and music before the wedding. Family members will usually perform a choreographed dance to a Bollywood song, leading up to a final dance between the bride and groom, symbolizing the two families becoming one. The word sangeet is Sanskrit literally means “sung together”

People walk past the Antilia mansion, house of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, while it is lit up ahead of his son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding in Mumbai on Wednesday. Rajanish Kakade/AP hide caption

What happens after the wedding?

Once the wedding was over, the couple engaged in the last part of a traditional Hindu ceremony, shubh ashirwad, known as the divine blessing ceremony. Here, the couple seeks blessings from community elders. Usually, the couple is showered with rose petals and rice as they walk down the aisle once again, concluding the wedding ceremonies for the bride and groom.

Up next, the Mangal Ustav , or the reception: much like an American wedding, this is a party that takes place right after the marriage ceremonies are over. Here, the now husband and wife have their first chance to dance and celebrate their new life as a married couple.

The Ambani wedding reception is expected to take place at the Ambani family’s $2 billion residence in Mumbai , and is sure to be as star-studded and extravagant as the last four months of festivities.