In an exclusive conversation with Nikhil Mahajan, Director at Kestone Utsav, we explore the brand’s remarkable journey from corporate experiential marketing to the opulent world of luxury social celebrations. Utsav isn’t just an event vertical—it’s a philosophy, a reimagining of how personal milestones are honoured in India. With a foundation built on Kestone’s 30-year legacy and a fresh focus on personalization, cultural authenticity, and technology, Utsav brings soul and structure to a space long defined by scale and spectacle. From immersive storytelling and virtual venue tours to gastronomic curation by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Mahajan shares how Utsav is turning once-in-a-lifetime moments into emotionally resonant, unforgettable experiences.
1. Utsav represents a significant evolution from Kestone’s corporate event legacy to luxury social celebrations. What inspired this transition, and how does Utsav differentiate itself in the premium events space?
Utsav emerged from a vision to bring structure, creativity, and emotional depth to India’s fragmented celebration industry. Building on Kestone’s 30-year legacy in experiential marketing, the transition into social celebrations was a natural next step, one that combined operational excellence with cultural richness. What sets Utsav apart is its focus on storytelling, personalization, and tradition. Each event is not just a grand affair but a soulful narrative, meticulously designed to reflect the client’s journey, values, and heritage. This blend of professional precision with cultural authenticity allows Utsav to deliver premium experiences that feel deeply personal.
2. With over 30 years of experience and 4,000 events delivered across 20 countries, how does Utsav leverage this legacy to craft deeply personalized and immersive celebrations?
Utsav draws heavily from Kestone’s global expertise in managing large-scale, high-impact events. This experience translates into seamless logistics, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage complexity without compromising on creativity. What truly elevates Utsav is its personalized approach, each celebration is crafted after understanding the client’s story, traditions, and emotional milestones. Using proven methodologies while embracing local nuances, Utsav builds immersive environments where every visual, sound, and interaction adds to the celebration’s narrative arc.
3. Utsav integrates cutting-edge technology, such as virtual venue previews and immersive VR coverage. How do these innovations enhance the client experience and set Utsav apart from traditional event planners?
Technology at Utsav is an enabler—it simplifies decision-making and enhances storytelling. Virtual venue previews allow families to visualize their celebrations in advance, easing planning anxieties and encouraging collaborative input. Immersive VR coverage creates a lasting digital memory of the event, which guests can relive in rich detail. These innovations are thoughtfully integrated into the experience without overshadowing the cultural and emotional core. This seamless blend of tech and tradition sets Utsav apart from conventional planners who may rely solely on aesthetics or scale.
4. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, as a co-promoter, brings a unique culinary perspective to Utsav. How does his involvement influence the gastronomic experiences offered at your events?
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s involvement elevates the culinary narrative at Utsav to an art form. His emphasis on authenticity, emotional resonance, and regional diversity informs the menu. Food becomes a medium of storytelling—whether through curated tasting tables, heirloom recipes, or menus inspired by a client’s personal journey. His philosophy ensures that cuisine is not merely served but felt—designed to complement the event’s emotional flow and cultural tone. This approach transforms food from a functional element into a defining highlight of the celebration.
5. Utsav promises “dream-like precision” in curating milestone celebrations. Could you walk us through how the team translates a client’s vision into a seamless, large-scale experiential reality?
It begins with deep listening. The Utsav team spends significant time understanding the client’s story, cultural background, emotional goals, and even nostalgic touchpoints. From there, a creative blueprint is developed, covering everything from thematic zones and cultural symbolism to sensory experiences and guest engagement. Each detail, from décor and gifts to sound design and food, is chosen to reflect the client’s vision. Operational teams then ensure that these creative elements are executed with clockwork precision, allowing the event to unfold effortlessly. This integration of heart and discipline ensures that every Utsav celebration is both breathtaking and deeply meaningful.
