SRK, Dalai Lama and the Obamas already have Vikas Khanna's Rs 30-lakh cookbook

Utsav: A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals, is a unique book by chef Vikas Khanna. The handcrafted, gold-gilded book is the most expensive cookbook in the world. While it was auctioned at a whopping Rs 30 lakhs on February 14, 2017, the book has been around for two years. Khanna's objective was to gift the magnum opus--which is based on the unifying nature of the food cooked and served during Indian festivals--to major world leaders as a symbol of peace.

Many copies have been gifted till now, and the list of the people who have a copy is illustrious. A copy of Utsav is reserved for Queen Elizabeth II. Another one was reserved for Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Jobs, however, passed away before Vikas Khanna could gift him a copy.

A copy of Utsav was gifted to legendary Indian singer, Lata Mangeshkar.

How can an Indian chef not be amazed by the living legend that is Mr Amitabh Bachchan? Vikas Khanna gifted a copy of Utsav to the Indian actor in 2015.

When Vikas Khanna gifted a copy of Utsav to the Dalai Lama, the leader responded by writing a Tibetan prayer on the book. With such a blessing, Utsav's journey was marked for greatness.

Chef Vikas Khanna presented a copy of Utsav to ex-President Barack Obama, and the ex-First Lady, Michelle Obama, in 2015.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was gifted a copy of Utsav in 2015. The PM congratulated Vikas Khanna for his achievement, and called the book a part of India's national heritage.

Vikas Khanna has time and again thanked ex-President Bill Clinton for his friendship with India and her people. The chef gifted a copy to the American leader.

Many might not be aware, but Vikas Khanna had shown his support for ex-Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. He gifted a copy to the Clintons, and Hillary thanked him with these words: "UTSAV is the Majestic celebration of India".

On Utsav's second birthday (May 17, 2016), Vikas Khanna posted this picture with his mother. The book had been taken to the Golden Temple at Amritsar for the occasion.

Utsav is a book about Indian festivals, and their unifying aspect. Vikas Khanna gifted a copy to the current head of an organisation that works for world issues--the United Nations.

Khanna gifted this copy with these words: "During the Holy month of Ramadan, we have been doing the Iftar dinners at the United Nations for years. But, today was very special to present a copy of #UTSAV to the respected Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-Moon.

Vikas Khanna might just be the first chef to gift a cookbook representing a whole nation to the Pope. When he met Pope Francis, and gifted him a copy of Utsav, the latter thanked him with the words: "UTSAV has the beautiful heart of India".

Vikas Khanna drew inspiration from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. "When I started my life in New York in 2000, there was a time in my life when I lived in homeless shelters and Grand Central station. Shah Rukh Khan's life's struggle for being a "Self-made Man" inspired me everyday. Thanks to my dear friend "SRK" for your love-support-inspirations," the chef commented.

Its surreal when VP Joe Biden hugs you and says "Thank you for contributing so much to America. Thank you for sharing India. Thank you for creating Utsav": These were the words with which Vikas Khanna described his meeting with America's ex-Vice President, Joe Biden.

Vikas Khanna posted this photo with Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. He said it was an honour to present Utsav to the man behind one of the leading social media sites in the world. The chef also hinted that he'll be cooking an Indian feast for Zuckerberg.

The first copy of Utsav to be auctioned by Vikas Khanna was bought on February 14, 2017, by Rasesh Kanakia. The copy sold for Rs 30 lakhs, and Khanna took to social media with these words: "This will be used to serve 2,00,000 meals through smilefoundation #MillionDollar4Nutrition
Thanks to Mr. Rasesh Kanakia and Family.
This is for you Papa, celebrating your 71st Birthday."

Utsav: A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals is a unique cookbook, and not just because of its content. The handcrafted, gold-gilded book has been gifted to major world leader by its eminent author, and Michelin starred chef, Vikas Khanna.