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Get set for a fizzy weekend

Bangalore is all set to host its version of Oktoberfest, the famous Bavarian beer festival, from tomorrow, reports ANAND SANKAR

HAVE FUN BUT ... The Great Indian Octoberfest is a chance for you to unwind but beware of binge drinking PHOTO: BHAGYA PRAKASH K.

Get ready to tap that keg of beer and go glug glug glug... Bangalore is set to join a host of big cities around the world by hosting its own version of Munich's famous Oktoberfest, the festival that celebrates beer. Starting tomorrow, the three-day Great Indian Octoberfest at Freeway 19, Palace Grounds, is the place to be for all guzzlers.

First held in the year 1810 in honour of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, the festivities began on October 12 and lasted till October 17, with a horse race. Known locally as `die Wiesen', the celebrations were repeated over the years, and today the beer tents in Bavaria attract more than a million people who together down 10 million pints of beer during the festivities. As Germans migrated to other countries, they carried the tradition along and slowly it became more of a celebration of beer than German tradition all over the world. Today, name any big city and it hosts its own version of Oktoberfest (Cincinnati is the second biggest after Munich).

Though the Bangalore event might not come anywhere close to Munich in terms of size, it is definitely an opportunity for party animals in the city to go footloose over this pre-Deepavali weekend. For starters, since it is a "one-off" event, it has been given permission to have a massive DJ Dome with 10,000 sq.ft. of dance floor that will feature the top Indian DJs like Chikku, Sukethu and Ivan over three days. So, all those who complain of not being able to shake a leg because of the ban on dancing, don't miss this one.

Then there is the beer. The title sponsor Kingfisher is supplying it. All the types of beer manufactured by the company will be on sale, fresh and chilled, in 350 ml mugs. Also they plan to have a Beer Info Centre where you can understand the process of brewing beer. All through the three days professional bar tenders will serve the beer at the 20,000 sq.ft. Beer Tent, which will have tables and chairs spread in a style that replicates Munich.

On the age group of drinkers being targeted by the company, Shekhar Ramamurthy, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, UB Group, says the festival is for the "young in spirit".

"I would be wary of using the word youth in this context. The fest is for young people. It is about fun and weaning people towards beverages with low alcohol content. Our plea has always been that beer should be viewed differently."

But at a time when even the culture of drinking beer is being given a rethink abroad because of "young people" indulging in binge drinking, one thing missing in the fest will be messages that warn people to not go on binges. Asked the why such messages won't be there, Ramamurthy preferred to stick to the statement: "We don't support binge drinking."

To go with the beer, entertainment ranging from rock shows to magic shows have been planned. Dance Studio Inc. will even be organising practice sessions where people can get a crash course on salsa and jive. The live music by the rock bands will begin at 6 p.m. And whenever a band plays a cover, the original video will be aired on a giant LCD screen. The bands that will be playing include Moksha, Thermal and a Quarter, Ministry of Blues, Parousia and Galeej Gurus. There will also be a flea market where you can pick up all the junk you won't ever use in your lifetime and a tattoo parlour where you can get body tattoos done that will make your dad's hair stand up. The food meanwhile will include everything from idli-vada to chaats and pizzas.

"This is a post-Dasara and pre-Deepavali bash. The beer will be served not (just when the sun is up) but also right through the day. The look and feel of the fest will be international," says R. Arun, Director, Common Colours, the event management firm that is in charge of the fest.

"We have six-acres in the middle of Palace Grounds that has been barricaded and equipped with round-the-clock security and emergency services. Over 400 trained security guards will patrol the venue and professional bouncers will be on hand at the DJ dome. Also the dome will be open only to couples and not stags."

And the finally two things most important during a beer fest — toilets and driving back. Twenty bio-toilets have been installed at the venue and drunken driving is an issue that is being taken up very seriously by the organisers. Arun promises that adequate number of autos and taxis will be on hand for people to get back home safely. Additionally Hero Honda is organising two-wheeler drops with certified drivers to your destinations for a fee.

The Great Indian Octoberfest will be open on Friday between 3 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. and between 10 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Entry entails a cover charge of Rs. 350 per day per head, with redeemable coupons for beer only. The coupons are bar coded and will be checked at the gate.

Overcharge coupons will be sold at four counters. All the coupons are available at the venue only. You can also purchase coupons for all the three days simultaneously.

For more details visit www.thegreatindianoctoberfest.com.

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