MochiTsuki (餅つき) Festival at DIA PARK Continues to Bring Japanese Tradition Alive
This all-Japanese Hotel Hosts Annual Rice Pounding Ritual Celebrating Japanese Culture as part of the New Year celebrations
GURUGRAM: The vibrant traditions of Japan came alive on Monday morning as Japanese families gathered at the DIA Park Premier Hotel to celebrate the annual MochiTsuki (鼠つき) festival. The event saw enthusiastic participation from young Japanese couples, children, and women who engaged in the centuries-old ritual of rice pounding.
The highlight of the celebration was the hands-on experience for families, especially children, who joyfully pounded rice in large wooden vessels, known as usu, under the guidance of their parents.
The MochiTsuki competition involved the traditional process of steaming sweet rice over an open fire before pounding it into a thick, smooth dough called mochi. Head Chef Shoichi Sakashita of DIA Park Premier Hotel meticulously oversaw the preparation of authentic Japanese delicacies, ensuring the event remained rooted in culinary excellence.
The rhythmic pounding, performed by pairs using large wooden mallets, was a sight to behold as it symbolized harmony and teamwork. The prepared mochi was later hand-shaped into small cakes, some of which were filled with sweet bean paste known as ahn.
Keiji Nakajima, a prominent figure in the Japanese community in India for over three decades was also present as usual during the event.
The MochiTsuki festival aims to support Japanese expatriates who remain in India during the New Year by fostering a sense of cultural connection and joy. It’s a celebration of tradition and togetherness.
DIA Park Premier Hotel, renowned as the “Epitome of Japanese Hospitality,” has been serving the Japanese community for over a decade. Symbolizing a mini Japan, the hotel offers a host of amenities tailored to meet the needs of Japanese guests. These include specially designed rooms equipped with modern amenities, authentic Japanese cuisine curated by experienced chefs, and cultural facilities such as Ofuro community baths (Onsen) for men and women.
The hotel’s DIA Golf Wellness Club, featuring a state-of-the-art golfing simulation facility, provides guests with a unique recreational experience.
Located just a 20-minute drive from Delhi International Airport, this 94-room four-star hotel, launched in December 2012, caters to both leisure and business travelers. Beyond its luxurious accommodations, the hotel hosts annual cultural events like the MochiTsuki festival to reinforce its commitment to fostering a deeper bond with Japanese traditions.
DIA Park officials expressed plans to expand future festivals, incorporating new attractions to further enhance the experience for Japanese guests.
The MochiTsuki festival not only showcased the culinary artistry and cultural richness of Japan but also strengthened the sense of community among Japanese expatriates in India, making it a cherished tradition in Gurugram.
