A Birthday Caking

As soon as I opened my door, I knew it was coming -- a piece of cake, directly on my face, and smushed around a bit for good measure. That's how things work at the Indian Institute of Management -- if it's your birthday, expect a cake to the face.

The official tradition at the school goes something like this: on your birthday you get four guys who come and grab you and pick you up in the air -- one holding each limb -- so that you are suspended as if flying through the air. Meanwhile there is a girl holding a cake with candles on it. The birthday boy is supposed to blow out the candles on the cake, all while suspended in the air; meanwhile, the guys not lifting him up take off their sandals and spank him with them. Finally, once the candles are blown out, the girl takes the cake and smashes it in his face. How's that for a birthday celebration?

My friends knocked on my door at 12:01AM, and dragged me out of the room, at which point my face was met directly with a piece of strawberry cake (no sandal spanking involved). I have to say though, she did a very good job of keeping it just on my face and not my hair or clothes. Though I got a good amount of cake in my mouth from the smashing, there was another cake waiting for all of us to eat normally.

In all, it was a great way to start off my birthday. Thanks to all of you, as well, for the birthday wishes!