Chug! Chug! Beer fiesta Oktoberfest gets bigger‎ (38 PHOTOS)

Oktoberfest, the three-day extravaganza gets bigger this year, with an online T-shirt designing contest, a merchandise store, authentic Bavarian food and, of course, copious amounts of beer. Originating in Munich, the festival was introduced in Mumbai last year on its 200th anniversary by the 


Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC). Over 7,000 people participated in the festivities including the expat community.




Says Peter Deubet, deputy director general, IGCC, “Last year, we turned away a lot of people as we couldn’t accommodate them.”
This year, a tent similar to the one in Munich, will be constructed at the Mahalaxmi Race Course from October 14 to 16. The popular Die Obervayer band will be flown in from Germany to perform on all three days of the festival. While authentic Bavarian sausages will be flown in from Germany, Erdinger beer will be brought in from Singapore in barrels.


“Last year, during Oktoberfest in Mumbai, we went through more than 200 sausages and about 14,000 litres of beer.”
Bookings for a single table for 10 people from 5 pm to 10 pm will cost you R 30,000. plus taxes. The offer includes 20 litres of beer, food coupons and 10 authentic beer mugs. Also, you can get one table (sixth table) free on every five tables purchased. 
Meanwhile, an online T-shirt designing contest is being held, wherein people can vote for their favourite design. The winning design will be sold as the Oktoberfest T-shirt at the merchandise store, during the fest.


Beer essentials
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, in honour of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese. Since then, it’s held annually, with more than six million visitors attending it. The festivities begin with a parade of horse-drawn carriages, carrying barrels of the six official beer breweries, cheered on by the crowds, and accompanied by bands playing traditional folk music. The mayor of Munich taps the first barrel of Oktoberfest, announcing, "O'zapft is!" ("It is tapped!"). One can find similar versions of the Bavarian festival around the world. This year, the festival was held from September 17 to October 3.


Of brews, pubs and beer festivals


Knock down 18 different kinds of beer and authentic Bavarian bites prepared by German Chef Thomas Brockenauer, till October 8.

  

Where: Six Degrees, The Leela Mumbai, Andheri (E)


Call: 6691 1211
Recreate cherished moments with  friends, or foster new beginnings, over an unlimited pour of beers and Oriental platters, till October 3.
Where: Opium Den, Trident, Nariman Point 
Call: 6632 6320


Up for a beer drinking challenge? Guzzle a mug of beer in one go and get two mugs of the foamy drink free. Meanwhile, foodies can dig in starters like bharwan paneer tikka and malabari prawns, till October 3.
Where: 72, Holiday Inn, Andheri (E)
Call: 4085 1800


Enjoy over 20 different beers such as Brooklyn Lager, Chimay Red, Duvel, Liefmans Fruitesse and a variety of snacks, till October 20.
Where: Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Santa Cruz (E)
Call: 6676 1149


Give beer-swigging Germans a run for their money, and drink 12 Budweiser beers for the price of four, from 12 pm to 8 pm, till October 30.
Where: Cool Chef Café, Worli
Call: 2430 1127


Chug two beers and get one free from 2.31 pm to 7.31 pm, till November 15. 
Where: Crepe Station, Versova
Call: 2631 4158


Avail special offers on beer and German appetizers, till October 30.
Where: Liquid Lounge- Grand Sarovar Premier, Goregaon (W)
Call: 2871 8000


Choose from a wide selection of local, regional, imported and tap and draft beers, and get 20 per cent off on your bill between 4 pm and 6 pm, till October 30. 
Where: Tipplers Bar, Four Points by Sheraton, Vashi 
Call: 2781 7788