India, June 19 -- F amilies in Mumbai and Pune are stepping away from the usual gifts and dinner plans to celebrate Father's Day (June 21) this year, choosing instead to make the occasion more meaningful through shared experiences. Cooking is emerging as a popular way for fathers and children to spend time together, with many opting for hands-on kitchen experiences. Rupal Shah, a Maharashtra-based event professional, shares, "I have signed up for a cooking class with my dad where the restaurant lets us prepare our own meal, guided by the chef, in a beautiful setting that includes cooking under a mango tree." She adds, "We will also be getting behind the bar counter and learning to make cocktails together, that we get to name by ourselves. It's now a ritual to sign up for experiences each year, rather than giving gifts. It's about creating memories each year, that will last us a lifetime." Aditya Kulkarni, Executive Chef, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, who is hosting one such experience says, "We are planning to give fathers a chance to take centre stage with an interactive cocktail experience alongside our mixologists. It's our way of creating memorable moments that make the occasion truly special." Beyond the kitchen, dining formats are also evolving into more interactive experiences. SEATED's intimate, concept-led gatherings in Mumbai and Pune use food as a starting point for connection, with storytelling, activities and games designed to help guests open up. Founders Raina Modi and Jovita Kothari say, "In the middle of busy schedules, it can be difficult to find moments of genuine connection, and that's exactly what we hope to create through our experiences."...