Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony at Nims Institute of Hotel Management

Event Name: Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony—Incorporating Sustainable Practices
Date: November 20, 2024
Venue: NIMS Institute of Hotel Management
Organized by: Student Council, NIMS Institute of Hotel Management
Participants: Faculty, students, staff, and special guests from the hotel industry

Overview

The Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony at NIMS Institute of Hotel Management is a much-anticipated tradition marking the beginning of the festive season. This event combines cultural heritage with hands-on learning, promoting sustainability and community spirit. It prepares the marinated fruit mix for Christmas cakes while fostering team collaboration and showcasing the institute’s dedication to culinary excellence.

Objective

The event celebrates a cherished culinary tradition with deep roots in European culture. Originally a family activity, cake mixing has evolved into a public celebration in the hospitality industry, emphasizing togetherness and the joy of preparation. For NIMS, this ceremony serves as:

A cultural bridge introducing festive traditions to international guests.
A learning platform for students to explore traditional baking techniques.
An opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices by sourcing local ingredients and offering alcohol-free options.

Event Highlights

Welcome and Introduction

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Manoj Srivastava, Principal of NIMS Institute of Hotel Management, who highlighted the tradition’s importance in hospitality.

Ingredients and Process

A variety of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices were displayed, including:

Raisins, apricots, figs, cherries, and dates.
Assorted nuts and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
These were blended with spirits for marination, adding to the rich flavor of Christmas cakes.

Interactive Cake Mixing Activity

Students, faculty, and industry guests donned aprons and gloves to participate in the mixing process. The lively atmosphere was amplified by festive music, creating an engaging experience for all attendees.

Interactive Sessions

Faculty members conducted brief sessions on:

The history and cultural significance of cake mixing.
Traditional and modern marination techniques.
Insights into festive cake baking and preservation.

Refreshments and Networking

Light refreshments prepared by students were served, offering a chance for attendees to network and share the festive spirit.

Impact and Outcomes

Cultural and Educational Achievements

Students gained hands-on experience in ingredient preparation, marination, and traditional baking techniques.
Faculty highlighted the economic aspects of culinary traditions, from sourcing ingredients to marketing festive cakes.

Community Engagement and Revenue Generation

The ceremony showcased the institute’s potential for blending cultural traditions with fundraising opportunities. Highlights include:

Revenue Generation: High demand for the marinated cakes underscored the community’s appreciation for authentic, traditional flavors.
Positive Feedback: Students, faculty, and guests praised the event’s educational and festive elements.

Future Opportunities

The event’s success has paved the way for future initiatives:

Expanding cake sales to the public.
Offering customized options for diverse audiences.
Strengthening the tradition as a community-building event.

Special Guests

Prominent figures from the hospitality industry graced the occasion, including:

Ms. Shelly Bhardwaj – HR Manager, Taj Amer Luxury Hotel, Jaipur
Ms. Neha Chaudahry – HR Manager, Marriott International Hotel, Jaipur
Mr. Sahil Dhingra – ATM, Marriott International Hotel, Jaipur
Chef Mahendra – Sous Chef, Alila Fort, Jaipur
Chef Tapeshwar Jana – Executive Chef, DoubleTree by Hilton, Jaipur
Chef Siddhesh Nachankar – Executive Chef, Alila Fort Hotel, Jaipur
Mr. Gaurish Srivastava – HR Associate, Alila Fort Hotel, Jaipur
Ms. Sanyogita Rathor – RC Wine, GM, Jaipur
Ms. Vartika – First India News Channel, Jaipur

Sustainability Initiatives

NIMS Institute incorporated eco-friendly practices by:

Using locally sourced ingredients.
Providing alcohol-free cake options to cater to diverse preferences.

Conclusion

The Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony at NIMS Institute of Hotel Management was a resounding success. It blended education, tradition, and sustainability while fostering a sense of community. With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the institute aims to make this event bigger and better in the years to come.