Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 21: The Welcome Group Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) ushered in the festive season with its much-anticipated Christmas fruit mixing ceremony, held at the Lavana Restaurant here on Thursday, November 21.
Dr P Rajshekhar, principal-in-charge of WGSHA, warmly welcomed the attendees, setting the tone for an evening of camaraderie and festive cheer. The venue was beautifully adorned with traditional decorations and twinkling lights, while the sweet aroma of spices filled the air, evoking the spirit of Christmas.
Attendees, dressed in chef hats and aprons, eagerly took part in the ceremonial mixing of ingredients, which included raisins, candied peel, dates, cherries, and a variety of aromatic spices.
Guided by WGSHA’s skilled chefs and enthusiastic students, the fruit mixing process became both a fun, educational experience and a joyful celebration. Guests exchanged laughter and conversation as they participated in the tradition, while Christmas carols added to the festive atmosphere.
The event was a true reflection of the holiday spirit, filled with warmth, unity, and shared joy. The cakes prepared from the mixed fruits will be distributed to MAHE officials, well-wishers, and also made available at the student-run café on the WGSHA campus, extending the holiday cheer to the wider community.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Vasanthi R Pai, trustee of MAHE, who served as the chief guest. She spoke about the deeper significance of Christmas, highlighting how the event embodies love, warmth, and collective goodwill. "The fruit mixture not only symbolises festive celebrations but also reflects the community’s unity and shared spirit," she said.
Dr. Rajshekhar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event, stating, “The Christmas fruit mixing ceremony is a beloved tradition that brings our community together. The enthusiasm and generosity displayed today are truly heartwarming.”
Kshama Vishwakarma, HOD of WGSHA, explained the importance of the event in the context of Christmas celebrations. “The event marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities, and the main highlight is the plum cake. Today, we start by soaking all the fruits used for the plum cake preparation, mixing them with various nuts, spices, and alcohol to let them soak and develop rich flavors. This event is very special to WGSHA, where all the MAHE leadership team joins in, and students host the occasion. As it’s part of their learning, it helps them develop professionally and prepares them for careers in the hospitality industry. Regardless of their region or religion, every student enjoys participating in this event."
Adithi, a WGSHA student, shared insights into the tradition’s origins: “The fruit mixing ceremony began as a way to celebrate the harvest, with fruits, alcohol, and fermentation. Over time, this evolved into the making of Christmas plum cake. Today, we mix dry fruits like cashews, almonds, raisins, cardamom powder, sugar, and alcohol. The mixture is left for fermentation, and once it has aged, it is used to make the plum cakes, which will be sold at the WGSHA café.”
The Christmas fruit mixing ceremony at WGSHA not only marked the start of the festive season but also reinforced the sense of community and togetherness. It was a celebration of goodwill, unity, and the true spirit of Christmas, leaving attendees with lasting memories and best wishes for the year ahead.
The event brought together students, faculty, the MAHE leadership team, the Pai family, local dignitaries, and Christmas enthusiasts, all partaking in this cherished tradition of preparing the iconic Christmas fruit cake.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including vice-chancellor of MAHE Lieutenant General Dr M D Venkatesh, pro-chancellor of MAHE Dr H S Ballal, student welfare officer Raviraj N S, director of student affairs Geetha M, pro-vice chancellor Dr Sharath Rao, Indira Ballal, and other dignitaries and heads of constituent units of MAHE.