Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Udupi ushers in Christmas season with cake mixing ceremony

Udupi: Udupi has ushered in the Christmas season with what is called the cake mixing ceremony, which is soaking dry fruits in alcohol weeks before it takes the shape of cakes and pudding for Christmas.

A Cake Mixing Ceremony was orgaised at Hotel Ranjitha Palace Auditorium on November 1. Fr Denis D’Sa PRO of Udupi Diocese. Maxim Saldanha of Tanisq Jewellary, Kishor Gonsalves of Daijiworld Media put their hands in to do the first bit of mixing of the colourful dry fruits beautifully laid out on a table.

Prior to start of the ceremony, Dolphy Mascharenhas of Hot Chicks Manipal, shared the story about the tradition of Christmas cake mixing which welcomes the festive season.

“Traditionally, plum cakes are prepared by soaking cashew nuts, walnuts, figs, dry apricots, orange peels, almonds, cranberries, prunes, raisins and spices with brandy and whisky weeks in advance. The mix helps the cake to develop better aroma and taste,” he said.

Addressing the gathering Fr Denis D’sa said that The Christmas festival conveys a message of peace and love to the entire world. With the arrival of this festival, a joyful and festive spirit fills every place. Cake is one of the main delicacies associated with the celebration, and it is customary for people to exchange greetings and share the sweetness of cake with one another.

Through such celebrations, the bonds of love, unity, and brotherhood among people are strengthened. The festival of Christmas plays a vital role in fostering harmony and togetherness within society, he said
As a part of the tradition, the mix is kept in an upside-down airtight container and a small amount of brandy, rum or whisky is poured in every week until Christmas.

On this occasion, the hotel’s Managing Director Vasudeva Nayak, Manager Manoj Poojary, F&B Manager Pramod Poojary, Executive Chef Srinivas, and several others were present.