Priyanka did it, now Parineeti too. Why Rajasthan is the go-to destination for big fat celeb weddings

If we ask you to choose three adjectives to describe an Indian Wedding, what comes to mind? One of them must be related to grandeur, magnificence, or sheer size, right? Well, you're not alone. Indian weddings are renowned for being 'larger than life,' and recent famous weddings have certainly lived up to these expectations.

Speaking of famous, lavish weddings, what do Sidharth and Kiara, Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal, Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas all have in common? No, we're not referring to the exorbitant budgets (although there's plenty of that at these weddings); we're talking about the destination—somewhere in Rajasthan.

The latest addition to this illustrious list is the Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Wedding, all set to take place at Udaipur's Leela Palace. According to reports, the couple has even booked the Maharaja Suite, which costs around 10 lakhs per night.

Now, have you ever wondered why Rajasthan and its states are becoming the favorite spot for all these high-profile weddings?

'The culture'

The Oberoi Udaivilas famously hosted Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal's pre-wedding celebrations in 2018. Anant Pareek, the sales manager of the Oberoi Hotels in Jaipur, spoke to DailyO and explained why he believes Rajasthan is so special.

He says, "Rajasthan is now a royal destination for various occasions, whether it's business, leisure, or weddings." According to him, Rajasthan's allure lies in its forts, palaces, and its rich wildlife.

Anant further explains that many factors make Rajasthan special.

He emphasizes, "This is why Rajasthan is so unique, and this is why so many weddings take place here."

Anant also points out that, in the past, "many states and cities were known for their cultures and traditions, but most of them have diluted over time. Rajasthan, however, has preserved its cultural heritage, which has created a demand for weddings here, as people seek to infuse their weddings with rich traditions and culture."

This perspective on Rajasthan's rich culture and traditions is echoed by a spokesperson from Hyatt Hotels. For context, Hyatt Hotels Corporation is an American multinational hospitality company, and the average price for a basic room in the hotel starts at 17,000 rupees.

According to her, "The authenticity still lies in Rajasthan."

The feeling of nostalgia 

She further adds that people who have moved outside India or affluent NRIs returning to Rajasthan for their weddings want their ceremonies to evoke memories of their childhood, their upbringing, and their cultural roots.

According to her, this is one of the major reasons why people from abroad or NRIs choose Rajasthan; it not only offers a nostalgic experience but also a sense of rootedness.

Mr Ashok S Rathore, the Area Director - Operations & GM of Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, tells DailyO, "Rajasthan offers an incredible canvas for timeless weddings and unforgettable celebrations." Rambagh was recently named the top hotel in the world by TripAdvisor.

The taste of luxury

Anant Pareek emphasizes, "Luxury is in high demand," especially for high-end weddings or events, and Rajasthan seems to fulfill all these demands. He also notes that the increasing number of luxurious properties in the state makes it an excellent option for wedding venues.

Now, let's consider the world's number one hotel, according to TripAdvisor. The Rambagh Palace is a property of Taj Hotels. According to Mr. Ashok, Taj Hotels alone have 16 hotels across Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, and Ajmer, each with its unique charm that enhances the luxury quotient.

For example, Taj's Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, nestled amidst Lake Pichola, and the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, "offer a taste of royal living and palatial luxury, perfect for grand Indian weddings."

And, of course, the food

We've discussed luxury, history, culture, and now, how can we forget one of the most important aspects—the food?

Hyatt's spokesperson says, "People prefer to have rich Rajasthani cuisine at at least one of their wedding events."

Moreover, Rajasthani cuisine comes with a sense of opulence in the way it is served.

Bottom line

Rajasthan has now become the dream destination for those seeking a dream wedding, thanks to the various reasons mentioned above. However, we also cannot underestimate the influence of pop culture and the numerous Bollywood weddings, both in real life and on-screen, that have unfolded in Rajasthan. Who can forget Aditi and Taran's memorable wedding from 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'?"