8 months ago
Pune's Christmas Cakes: Tradition and Emotion
In Pune, Christmas cakes are more than just desserts; they are a big part of the city's traditions.
Old bakeries and home bakers make these cakes with special recipes that have been passed down for generations.
The cakes are made with fruits soaked in rum or wine for a long time, and they are very popular during the Christmas season.
People love these cakes because they remind them of their childhood and family.
Some bakeries have been around for almost 100 years, and they still use the same old methods to make their cakes.
Even though some people now want healthier options, the bakers make sure to keep the traditional taste that everyone loves.
Pune's Christmas cakes are deeply rooted in tradition, faith, and family connections, with bakeries like Husseny Bakery and home bakers like Shalini D’Souza preserving the city’s festive culture.
Husseny Bakery, established in 1932, has been baking Christmas cakes for over 93 years, with Dr S M M Irani personally involved for over 50 years.
Home baker Shalini D’Souza, founder of ‘Bakeology by Shalini’, has been baking Christmas cakes since 2017, focusing on homemade, preservative-free options.
Irani bakeries like Persian Bakery, Royal Bakery, Pasteur Bakery, and Imperial Bakery continue to anchor Pune’s festive culture with century-old recipes and traditional techniques.
While traditional fruit and plum cakes remain popular, there is a growing demand for healthier options like eggless cakes and less sugar.
- Who
- Bakers and home bakers in Pune, including Dr S M M Irani, Shalini D’Souza, and various Irani bakeries
- What
- The tradition and emotional significance of baking and selling Christmas cakes in Pune
- Where
- In Pune, at various bakeries and home kitchens, including Husseny Bakery, Bakeology by Shalini, Persian Bakery, Royal Bakery, Pasteur Bakery, and Imperial Bakery
- When
- During the Christmas season, with preparations starting months in advance
- Why
- To preserve and celebrate the city’s festive traditions, faith, and family connections
Key facts
- Husseny Bakery
- Established in 1932, known for traditional fruit and plum cakes
- Dr S M M Irani
- 74-year-old baker at Husseny Bakery with over 50 years of experience
- Bakeology by Shalini
- Home bakery founded by Shalini D’Souza in 2017, offers preservative-free cakes
- Persian Bakery
- Known for plum and rum cakes, follows century-old recipes
- Royal Bakery
- Established in 1914, soaks fruits in rum for three months before baking
- Pasteur Bakery
- Established in 1939, known for moist plum and fruit cakes
- Imperial Bakery
- Founded in 1955, soaks fruits in wine for 40 days before baking
Quotes
Ramkumar Yadav
Festive decoration seller in Pimpri market
“The market for Christmas trees is thriving. We are seeing a mix in demand for preferences, with many seeking artificial trees. At my shop, the demand has increased by 14 per cent compared to last year. Artificial trees start at Rs 400 for small sizes. Snow-covered trees in the 10-foot range are priced between Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,000, depending on design.”
indianexpress.com
“A four-foot pre-decorated tree costs around Rs 8,500, while ones with a height of six to eight feet cost up to Rs 18,670. LED trees are the most expensive, with the small ones costing around Rs 550, but large trees measuring nine to eleven feet can go up to Rs 42,860.”
indianexpress.com
Fernandes
Owner of Raave’s Evergreen Christmas Trees & Decorations
“The market has definitely expanded this year. Customers are more aware now, and some ask for real trees because they want authenticity, while others look for reusable artificial trees for convenience. But real trees also need maintenance, for which many are not ready. Regarding artificial trees, the demand has gone up compared to last year, especially for medium-sized ones that fit well in apartments.”
indianexpress.com
“The green tree carries the meaning of life, hope and renewal. Modern colours add style, but tradition still wins hearts.”
indianexpress.com
Chaitanya Mane
Resident of Pimpri Market area
“Faith, love and community are the essence of life. We celebrate all festivals at home, but Christmas holds a special place in our hearts. This year is extra special because I got my own house that I was dreaming of, so we bought a nine-foot Christmas tree.”
indianexpress.com
Sandra Harry
Christmas tree buyer
“I choose real pine trees because they capture the true spirit of Christmas and support a ‘go green’ mindset. Artificial trees lack that natural charm.”
indianexpress.com
Jacqueline Jijo Philips
Christmas tree buyer
“I prefer artificial trees because they give creative freedom and can be reused. Sustainability matters too, and decorating together as a family is what keeps the tradition alive.”
indianexpress.com
Johnson D’Souza
Christmas tree buyer
“My artificial tree reminds me of the first one I bought with my own salary. It is not just decoration, but symbolises hope and growth.”
indianexpress.com
