The night air of Bhopal was thick with the intoxicating fragrance of blooming mogra (jasmine) and the undeniable, electric hum of new money mixed with ancient power.

Madhya Pradesh’s City of Lakes had seen many grand spectacles, but tonight, the waters of the Upper Lake reflected an unprecedented level of opulence. The Verma Mansion, a sprawling estate of white marble and heritage architecture, was draped from roof to courtyard in thousands of iridescent fairy lights. It glowed like a celestial bride against the midnight sky. Media vans were parked shoulder-to-shoulder, blocking the entire street. Reporters spoke breathlessly into their microphones, their voices carrying over the rhythmic, auspicious beats of traditional dhol and the hauntingly beautiful melody of the shehnai.