This expo is all about seeing, craving for exhibits

Witness the Gateway of India, Mumbai's iconic monument, in sugar at the 43rd annual cake show which opens for public at the St Joseph's Indian High School grounds, opposite Kanteerava stadium on Friday.

The 15-foot-tall replica weighing 1,200 kg was made by a seven-member team over 75 days. "The model is entirely made of sugar. We made bricks, sheets and other individual components which were then assembled here. It is a challenging task, but it helps us develop our skills," said Narmada Lingathuri, who is part of the team.

All the creations at the show, part of the National Consumer Fair, are made by staff and students of the Institute of Baking and Cake Art (IBCA).

A highlight of the show this year is a very real-looking bride, stepping down from her palanquin or 'doli' as it is known. The bride's skirt is exquisitely detailed with sugar lace and she is decked with jewellery made of icing sugar.

Avril Pinto, the creator, worked with two others 20 hours a day for 21 days to complete the cake in time for the exhibition.

"In Rajasthani weddings, the princess used to be brought in a palanquin. I used this concept to give a traditional touch to cakes. I have used many different styles and materials including cake, rice Krispies, sugar lace and icing sugar," Avril said.

The most challenging part was the delicate lace dupatta covering the bride's head. White chocolate was used to make it look like real fabric, and it was then painted red.

Another detailed exhibit was that of a woman taking a selfie as she dresses for an occasion. "The younger generation is very self-centered and everyone is always taking selfies. I wanted to represent this in my model," said Tadeeb Altaf, the creator. Every last detail of the dressing room has been created using sugar and is edible, including make-up materials, a translucent lamp made of gelatin and even a smartphone with a selfie on the screen.

Raghavendra K and Smita recreated the traditional symbol of the stock market Bull and Bear. In Wall Street terms, a 'Bull market' indicates a rising economy. "India is the bull here because with GST, the GDP has increased and our economy is growing," Raghavendra said.

The exhibition is open from 11 am to 9 pm every day, until January 1.