KAHIN GUM NA HO JAYEIN SEASON 8 GRAND FINALE DRAWS HOSPITALITY LEADERS AND TOP CHEFS IN DELHI NCR: A REPORT BY KHATIBAH REHMAT (Senior Journalist).
Ghaziabad, January, 2026: The much-anticipated finale of the National Cookery Contest Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein – Season 8 has once again created a nationwide buzz, with the hospitality and culinary fraternity closely watching the culmination of this prestigious platform. Curated by Col. Atul Saxena, the grand finale follows a successful semi-final round recently covered by REFT Today in Udaipur.
The final showdown brought together India’s finest culinary talents at a five-star venue in Delhi-NCR, drawing hospitality industry leaders, chefs, policymakers and culinary influencers from across the country. With contestants representing diverse regions and culinary traditions, the event reinforced its reputation as a cultural and gastronomic movement rather than just a competition. As anticipation peaked, the country waited eagerly for the announcement of winners celebrating India’s rich and fading food heritage through innovation authenticity and regional pride.
(L-R): Late Mrs. Babeetta Saxena with Col. Atul Saxena and previous participants of Kahin Gum Na Ho Jaein.
The grand finale of Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein Season 8 themed “My State on My Plate” concluded in spectacular fashion at a five star hotel in Delhi-NCR, under the banner of NGO-Let’s Give Back. The contest was originally found by late Mrs. Babeetta Saxena and is now passionately carried forward by Col. Atul Saxena with the vision of reviving India’s lost and forgotten regional recipes.
This season witnessed participation from over 20 locations across India and Canada with top 50 finalists qualifying for a live cook-off at the Indian Culinary Institute, Noida. The platform not only celebrated culinary skills, but also storytelling through food as contestants presented dishes rooted in their state’s cultural identity, ingredients and traditions, making Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein Season 8, a powerful tribute to India’s diverse food landscape.
(L-R): Col. Atul Saxena with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Col. Atul Saxena with Chef Vimal Dhar and Chef Sangeeta Dhar.
The competition concluded with the announcement of national winners who were awarded significant cash prizes along with recognition on a national stage. The National Winner will be receiving ₹60,000, while the First and Second runners-up will be awarded ₹40,000 and ₹30,000 respectively along with six special category awards of Rs. 3,000 each.
The esteemed jury included Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, Chef Vimal Dhar and Chef Vishavdeep Bali while the event was graced by Padma Shri awardee Chef Sanjeev Kapoor food historian Dr. Pushpesh Pant,senior chefs and government dignitaries. Led by National Chief Coordinator Reena Mukherjee the year-long initiative was supported by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, and leading brand partners further cementing Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein Season 8 as one of India’s most prestigious culinary platforms.
INPUTS TAKEN BY: COL. ATUL SAXENA.
PICTURES COURTESY: COL. ATUL SAXENA.
MEDIA COVERAGE BY: KHATIBAH REHMAT (SENIOR JOURNALIST).
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