As ‘MasterChef India’ continues to bring stories from kitchens across the country, the popular cooking reality show marked the harvest season with a special episode rooted in tradition, togetherness and cultural pride.

Coinciding with festivals such as Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Magh Bihu, the Harvest Special episode emerged as a colourful tribute to India’s shared festive spirit and culinary heritage.

According to a press release, actor and judge Shilpa Shetty brought warmth and festive elegance to the MasterChef kitchen, lending the episode a deeper emotional connect. Her presence added to the celebratory mood, turning the special into a heartfelt ode to Bhav, Bhakti and the soul of Bharat, as contestants presented dishes inspired by regional traditions and harvest celebrations from across the country.

Welcoming the season, Shilpa Shetty reflected on the unity behind India’s diverse festivals. “At this time, the whole of India is engulfed in the colours of harvest and festivals. Sometimes Pongal, sometimes Sankranti, sometimes Bihu, sometimes Lohri. The names may be different, but the aim is one, happiness,” she said, capturing the essence of the occasion.

Sharing her experience of being part of the episode, she added that the Harvest Special felt deeply meaningful to her. Every dish, she noted, carried a story of its own, with flavours paying homage to India’s rich culinary traditions. Together, they reflected a celebration of Indian talent that is stepping forward with confidence, creativity and fearlessness on the global stage.

The Harvest Special episode stands as a reminder of India’s cultural richness, where age-old traditions meet modern ambition, and where the country continues to move forward together with pride and purpose.

‘MasterChef India’ airs Monday to Friday at 9:00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv.