3 weeks Ago By Anjali Jhangiani
Pune: Easter egg hunts , now a delightful springtime ritual, have their origins in 16th century Germany from where the tradition spread through Europe and into the US via immigrants, and eventually found its way to India. In Pune's cantonment area British soldiers stationed in the 19th century brought along their Easter customs. Chocolate eggs were often sourced from Parsi bakeries, quietly planting the seeds for an Easter legacy that still lingers in the city.
This year, Easter's egg-hunting spirit will have a festive flair at Alliance Française de Pune . Volunteer Juliette Bossut said a chocolate baking workshop is where participants will learn how to make French chocolate-based festive treats. "We will have an Easter egg hunt which is open to all from little ones to their parents.
Everyone has a blast looking for special treats. This year, the Egg Hunt will be in the library where participants will not just find chocolate eggs but also some goodies from the institute," she added. Renu Jamgaonkar, cultural coordinator at Goethe-Institut Pune , said the festive spirit is alive in their classrooms with teachers planning meaningful Easter-themed activities for students to enjoy as part of their language learning journey.
"From decorating traditional German Easter eggs (Ostereier) and exploring Easter customs, to interactive vocabulary games, creative crafts, and storytelling sessions – students will get a unique taste of German culture in a lively and engaging way. No Easter celebration is complete without an Ostereiersuche – a playful egg hunt right in the classroom," she added. Several eateries are organising such egg hunts.
Over at Malaka Spice in Koregaon Park, the Easter Bunny has gone rogue, pirate style. The restaurant is hosting a Malaccan Pirate Takeover, combining the egg hunt with a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' spin. Hidden beneath tables are ruby, sapphire, and golden egg cards.
Find one, and guests could walk away with a cocktail, dessert, or, for the lucky few, a full meal on the house. Ilvika Chandawarkar, research and business development manager, said this year they want guests to have fun with friends and family. Arpan Kakde, director of food and beverage at The Westin Pune said they have decadent cuisine, live entertainment, and a host of activities for guests—from cookie decorating and egg painting to a poolside egg hunt and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny.
Pic courtesy: The Westin, Pune.
