Couple’s Extravagant Indian Wedding Baraat Takes Over Wall Street
In an extraordinary celebration of Indian wedding traditions, Varun Navani and Amanda Soll orchestrated an elaborate baraat procession that shut down Wall Street, transforming bustling Lower Manhattan into a vibrant cultural spectacle.
Securing 28 Permits and Investing Heavily
City records reveal the couple obtained 28 separate permits to close various locations along Wall Street. The costs ranged from $25,000 to $66,000 (approximately Rs 21 lakh to Rs 56 lakh) per permit, amounting to an estimated total expenditure of around Rs 55 lakh. This meticulous planning enabled the grand baraat procession to unfold smoothly amidst Manhattan’s iconic skyline.
Viral Celebration Filled with Music and Dance
Video footage from the event shows hundreds of guests dancing energetically to traditional dhol beats and music. DJ AJ, who performed at the baraat, described the occasion as “a once-in-a-lifetime kind of magic,” highlighting the historic significance of shutting down Wall Street for such a cultural festivity. The clip has attracted over two million views, reflecting widespread fascination with the event.
Wedding Festivities Spanning Multiple Venues in New York
The Boston-based couple initiated their wedding events on May 23 with a lavish celebration at the Conrad Hotel, followed by a Sangeet ceremony at The Glasshouse. Navani, CEO of AI platform Rolai, donned a regal sherwani layered with pearl necklaces. Soll, MasterCard’s director of legal compliance, wore a deep red Sabyasachi lehenga, captivating attendees with her traditional elegance.
The celebrations extended over several days, including a brunch reception on May 24, a Jewish wedding ceremony at Cipriani on May 25, and an after-party at Slate, blending rich cultural traditions with contemporary festivities.
Big Fat Indian Weddings: Continuing Tradition and Global Influence
This event exemplifies how big fat Indian weddings continue to be global cultural phenomena, combining elaborate rituals, lavish celebrations, and cross-cultural experiences. The Wall Street baraat stands as a remarkable example of how traditional Indian ceremonies adapt and thrive in international settings.
- 28 permits filed to close Wall Street locations
- Expenditure between $25,000 and $66,000 per permit
- 400-person baraat procession with live music and dancing
- Wedding events held at Conrad Hotel, The Glasshouse, Cipriani, and Slate
