Families 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.
Bonding in the kitchen
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.”
Experiences that bring families together
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.”
Things to do with your Dad this Father’s Day weekend
Watch FIFA matches at sports bars in the city
Where you can catch it
Mumbai: Amoeba Sports Bar, All Sett Go Sports Bar
Pune: Aufside Sports Club, Legends Sports Bar
Brew coffee together
Where you can experience it
Mumbai: Trove Experiences
Pune: Barista Cafe Academy
Listen to vinyl masterpieces
Where you can experience it
Mumbai: Baroke – A Listening Bar, The Revolver Club Pune: Audio Lounge India, Oceanic Sound And Vision
Get matching tattoos
Where you can get it
Mumbai: Ink N Brew, Mumbai
Pune: Aliens Tattoo
Sing karaoke out loud
Where you can experience it
Mumbai: Roadhouse Bluez Pune: Cafe Colombia
Play board games
Where you can experience it
Mumbai: The Boardgame Tavern, Creeda Board Game Cafe Pune: Gameflix Cafe
(Inputs by Tarun Sharma, co-founder, Ink n Brew cafe and tattoo studio)
