To mark the beginning of the Christmas season and the upcoming New Year, the School of Hotel Management & Tourism (SHMT) at Lovely Professional University (LPU) hosted its annual Fruit Maceration Ceremony.
The event took place at LPU’s Uni Hotel, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in an atmosphere of joy. It beautifully showcased the "art of flavors," capturing the season's true spirit in every moment.
The traditional cake-mixing ceremony, a cherished pre-festival ritual, marks the start of Christmas fruit cake preparation. This age-old technique enhances the flavor and texture of the fruits, which are then used to create the cake’s delicious ingredients.
SHMT students showcased their culinary expertise by macerating a variety of fruits, including raisins, dates, cherries, and nuts, in rich liquids and spices. The fruit maceration process not only reflects the sweetness of the holiday season but also symbolizes the spirit of togetherness and tradition.
The venue was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and colorful ornaments. Students contributed to the festive vibe by designing an edible gingerbread house, which became the event's centerpiece.
Adding to the excitement, a student dressed as Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading joy by distributing chocolates to all attendees, further elevating the celebratory mood. To enhance the festive atmosphere, students performed traditional Christmas carols and danced joyfully, filling the air with melodies of goodwill and peace.
The celebrations were graced by the presence of Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, and Dr. Sanjay Modi, Pro-Vice Chancellor. Dr. Mittal expressed her delight, saying, "It’s truly heartwarming to witness our students refining their hospitality skills while embracing the spirit of Christmas and its rich traditions.
Events like these offer invaluable learning opportunities, empowering students to develop the essential qualities needed for success in their future hospitality careers." This traditional cake-mixing ceremony, rooted in Middle Eastern customs, symbolizes the blending of cultures and the spirit of community.
For centuries, similar celebrations have been observed around the world to welcome the new year, and it continues to be an essential part of global holiday festivities. This year’s celebrations were especially significant as LPU welcomed students from across India and various countries, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and vibrant learning environment. As LPU bid farewell to 2024, the festivities marked a perfect lead-in to 2025, with hopes for a bright, prosperous, and joyous new year ahead.