Indian society’s penchant for lavish weddings reached new heights in 2011, when Lalit Tanwar and Yogita Jaunapuria tied the knot in a spectacle of grandeur at their family farmhouse near Delhi. The celebration stunned onlookers with estimates that the total cost of the nuptials ranged from Rs 200 crore to Rs 500 crore, an opulence rarely seen, even among India’s wealthiest political and business circles.
Where was it held?
Held at the Tanwar family farmhouse in Asola, Fatehpur Beri, the pre-wedding ‘lagan’ ceremony welcomed around 2,000 guests. Each attendee received extravagant return gifts – a 30-gram silver biscuit, a safari suit, and Rs 2,100 in cash. The groom’s tika ceremony alone involved gifts worth Rs 2.5 crore, with an additional Rs 1 crore allotted to nearly 18 family members.
The actual wedding, held in Jaunpur village, Haryana, attracted approximately 15,000 people. Each guest was reportedly handed a shagun of Rs 11,000. More than 100 different dishes were served by a staff of about 1,000, and to ensure a seamless view of the rituals, 12 large screens were installed across the venue.
Later, the couple hosted a luxurious reception at a five-star hotel in Delhi, graced by dignitaries such as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, prominent politicians, and Bollywood celebrities.
The wedding gift was a helicopter
The talk of the town was the gift of a Bell 429 helicopter, reportedly worth Rs 33 crore in 2011, that was gifted to the groom by the bride’s family. Asked to comment, the groom, Kanwar Singh Tanwar, confirmed, “True, a Bell 429 helicopter was given but it was a simple wedding.”
The festivities were elevated by live performances, including actress Neha Dhupia taking the stage, setting a celebratory tone for the lavish event.
The estimated cost of the entire wedding varies. Times of India reported approximately USD 22 million (Rs 100 crore at the time), while Mail Today speculated the expenses could have soared to USD 55 million (roughly Rs 250 crore).
Who are the bride and the groom?
Lalit Tanwar is the son of BJP figure Kanwar Singh Tanwar, currently serving as the District Panchayat President in Amroha. Yogita Jaunapuria is the daughter of former MLA Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria from Sohna.