Cake mixing ceremony held

It heralds preparations for Christmas

A cake mixing ceremony in progress at the Holiday Inn Gem Park in Ooty on Wednesday. Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Being a place where the influence of the Raj continues to be strong and very visible even about six decades after the country became free, tradition and values occupy an important position in the ethos of this hill station.

In keeping with this the Holiday Inn Gem Park hotel organised a ‘cake mixing ceremony' here on Wednesday.

Pointing out that the cake mixing tradition has not only successfully stood the test of time but also developed deep roots in many parts of the world, the General Manager, Holiday Inn Gem Park, Raju Shrestha told

The Hindu that conditions in Udhagamandalam are ideal for such ceremonies. He pointed out that the outlook of the local people played a complementary role.

Stating that it heralded preparations for Christmas, Chef Surendar who conducted the ceremony observed: “Christmas is no fun without the traditional Christmas cake.”

Pointing out that making such a cake is not an easy task, he said that the preparations begin well in advance.

The first step is the process of mixing, which is formally called the cake mixing ceremony.

He said that it is believed to be a harbinger of good tidings and happiness.

The staff of the hotel and invitees displayed considerable enthusiasm in participating in the ceremony.

The ingredients used for the festive fruit cakes were mixed with wine and liquor to facilitate better aroma and taste.

Pointing out that since yore, the cake mixing ceremony had been a family affair, he said that for the last several years organisations have been observing it to promote camaraderie and goodwill.

To a question, he said that the ceremony dates back to the 17th century. Pointing out that it is a much looked forward to event, particularly in Europe, he said that it marked the arrival of the harvest season. For the cold weather the traditional plum cake is a perfect energy food.