The world renowned chef who is also a filmmaker, humanitarian and the host of the TV show Master Chef India, Vikas Khanna unveiled his 21st book ‘Utsav – A culinary epic of Indian festivals’ at the French Riviera in Cannes during the weekend. This was an epic moment as it is in the first time in 68 years of Cannes Film Festival that a cookbook is launched. The world most book will be launched worldwide on Diwali.
The four times Michelin starrer took more than 12 years to research, write and photograph Indian festivals, ceremonies, traditions and culture to showcase India’s rich and diverse heritage to the world. The world’s most expensive cookbook which has been divided into four segments will be sold for US$13,000(8 lacks). The limited edition of the book which has a poem embossed in gold ink will be hand delivered by the Chef to the world’s top 12 leaders who have inspired him as gratitude and to his “Motherland to the Worldâ€. The journey will begin with India’s PM Narendra Modi. A copy of it will be auctioned for SMILE foundation.
The 16 kg book covers more than 70 festivals across India and includes 1,000 recipes using the flavor and the sacred ingredients of not so popular but sacred festivals in India. The book is dedicated to the transgender community of India.
“The journey of anything auspicious begins with transgender community singing and clapping at the doors of our homes; their blessings are like Mother’s love. It may be a wedding, child births, first Diwali, Holi or Lohri, it’s their voices that bring the celebration in the occasion. So, I dedicate this book to them to them and applaud for their love and compassion in our nation,” he said at the launch.
