India, April 17 -- Human life largely centres on networks of interpersonal relationships that food strengthens and sacralises. We see our identity, traditions, laws, and holidays in terms of the food we eat. Many of our foods embody potent symbols, and the rituals of food preparation enhance our religious experience.

Lonavla was the chosen destination for the annual camp of the American missionaries in 1896. In an account of the camp written for the "Woman's Missionary Friend", Mary R Carroll who was visiting India from the US for the first time, mentioned how hot cross buns made an interesting appearance at the campsite on Good Friday.

The camp was annually held at Easter time, because Good Friday and Easter Monday, with the intervenin...