This hundreds of years old British tradition is still alive in Mussoorie, organized before Christmas and New Year.

DehradunIn Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’, the excitement of Christmas and New Year begins even before the month of December begins, This celebration begins with a unique British tradition more than a century old, This is the cake mixing ceremony, It is not just the process of making cakes, but it is a blend of celebration, community and history, which is still alive in full grandeur in the iconic heritage hotels of Mussoorie, The cake mixing ceremony has its roots in 17th century Britain, where it evolved from a simple religious ritual into a grand social event,

The marination process lasts for a month

Giving information, Tanuj Nair, resident manager of a reputed hotel in Mussoorie, said that cake mixing ceremonies are held before New Year and Christmas. This is a British tradition. This has been going on since the time the British used to live in Mussoorie. In this, the dry fruits used in making the cake are marinated with organic juice and spices a month in advance. After this, cakes and plum cakes are made from it and served to the guests coming to the hotel. These are also used in the bakery products served to hotel guests during the Christmas Brunch and Eve Dinner.

Old tradition of 17th century Britain

In ancient times, in countries like Britain, plum porridge, which was a kind of porridge or dessert, was eaten to refresh the body after fasting on Christmas Eve. Over time, oats were replaced by wheat, butter and eggs and it evolved into plum cake. After this, family functions started taking place in which wine and fruits etc. were mixed in the cake. This was called cake mixing ceremony. This tradition also came to India during the British period, especially in hill stations like Mussoorie. British officials and residents used to organize it in their homes and hotels before Christmas. This tradition became particularly famous in Mussoorie, where it has been held for over 100 years in prestigious hotels such as the Welcome Hotel The Savoy. It is celebrated in Mussoorie before Christmas and New Year celebrations. Foreign tourists also participate in it. This special tradition of the 17th century is still being run by the big hotels of Mussoorie. For this, dry fruits and nuts like raisins, dates, figs, apricots, cherries, almonds, walnuts, cashews are collected at one place in a big tray. These are mixed with a large number of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. After this, rum, whiskey, brandy, and other types of wines are added to it. This alcohol not only preserves the mixture but also gives a special flavor to the Christmas cake.