After five days the most lavish but controversial Indian wedding of the daughter of politician draws to a close in which about 75 million dollars were spent.
In the poverty stricken country, one of the world’s most extravagant weddings has been held in the southern state of Karnataka. It is estimated to have cost at least 5bn rupees or $75 million dollars.
The wedding of businessman and Indian politician G Janardhana Reddy’s daughter, Brahmani, has been met with anger as millions of Indians are struggling in the midst of a cashflow crisis.
The bride’s wedding sari alone cost 170m rupees she wore jewellery worth 900m rupees, reports said.
Some on social media have said the backlash is unfair. Mr Reddy has been quoted as saying he made all payments six months ago – before the government withdrew old banknotes in a crackdown on corruption – and mortgaged properties to pay for the nuptials.
But with gold-plated invitations and Bollywood stars performing at the wedding, critics have described the lavish ceremony as an “obscene display of wealth”.
Preparations at the sprawling Bangalore Palace venue took months to complete. Sets resembling ancient Hindu temples were built in which to conduct the ceremonies.
More than 50,000 guests attended the wedding. Reports said 2,000 taxis ferried guests to and from the venue and 15 temporary helipads were set up to fly in special invitees.
