Visiting the Oktoberfest of Munich was like revisiting college life — that glorious age of BFFs, incessant parties, tipsy buddies and the most crucial element of all — lots of beer!

Though this festival is now replicated in many countries all over the world, including in Pune; witnessing the celebrations in the land where it took root was out of this world — a lifetime experience for me.

History in making

The history behind one of the most famous beer festivals in the world is as interesting as the gala itself. One of the Germans at the fest told me, it began as a grand wedding party for the Bavarian crown prince Ludwick and Princess Therese way back on October 12, 1810!

The beer-loving Bavarians enjoyed the idea so much that they started celebrating the wedding anniversary this way every year. Eventually, the celebrations got grander and more elaborate and today it has grown to become an important part of the Bavarian culture.

A peek into one of the tents where the festivities are in full swing

This festival starts late in September and runs for 16 to 18 days, ending on the first Sunday of October.

I observed five important events in the festival — two processions, the opening ceremony, a magnificent gun salute to the Bavaria statue of Munich and a grand musical concert in front of this statue.

Curtain Raiser

A day before the festival, I was lounging in my hotel room, when I heard music emanating from the streets. I went and sat at the window, and was enthralled by the sight of a three-mile long procession all throughout the Munich roads!
 
It was a colourful display of Bavarian history, culture and tradition laid before me on a platter! Various groups wearing their regional costumes and troops in historical uniforms parttake the festivities.

The street procession that takes place a day prior to the fest

New Beginnings

Waitresses dressed in pretty Dirndls
On day one, the owners of the beer hall and the breweries made a grand entry to the Oktoberfest ground. This parade displayed historic horse-drawn carriages, traditionally decorated floats and the band.

The Mayor of Munich was given the official honour of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer, to mark the launch. After he adorably wished everyone present a happy and peaceful Oktoberfest, there was a spellbinding 12-gun salute to the Bavaria statue.

Only after this formal ritual was accomplished, were the other tents permitted to tap their beer kegs and the Oktoberfest began in full swing!

The parade that kicks off the merriment

Tent to the dozen!

Only six breweries in Munich are allowed to serve beer at the Oktoberfest. This beer is stronger and darker than the traditional beer and is kept ready at least 30 days before the festival. Maids carry eight to 10 of one-litre mugs, that are called ‘masses’ at a time.

Tulpule poses with the beer kegs

I met visitors, who had specially travelled across the globe to Munich just to drink the legendary beer, gorge on sausages and witness the lavish Oktoberfest!

Munchies that went perfectly with the ale, were served to us along with unending rounds of lagers in a huge tent owned by a brewery.
 
There was a panoply of delcious dishes to choose from- whole grilled chicken, mouth-watering sausages in different shapes and sizes, potato dumplings, potato soup, apple strudels, soft pretzels and gingerbread.
 
Ah the gingerbread! Heart-shaped and decorated with icings of different slogans and messages, the gingerbread was as much of a feast to the eyes as to the tummy!

While most of the tents were run by restaurateurs, there were some that had been managed by a particular family for generations!

Each tent had its own distinctive quality that made it stand out from the rest. The atmosphere wore a very traditional look.

While the bands played traditional Bavarian music which was foot-tapping to say the least, the waiters and waitresses had donned traditional Bavarian dresses — Lederhosen for men and women dressed in pretty Dirndl.

After enjoying to the hilt at the Oktoberfest, I was left with the bitter beer taste on my tongue and sweet memories in my mind.