Recreating the German carnival

Fun, food and frolic marked the ‘Oktoberfest’ held at Vivanta by Taj, MG Road recently. The Bavarian festival was celebrated in style with mugs full of beer, a lavish spread of German delicacies and a twenty-one piece live performance by Reisbacher Musikanten, who were flown down from Bavaria for the festival. 

Attendees feasted on the pretzels and beer as Reisbacher Musikanten spun popular tunes. “We’ve been coming here to perform for the last 13 years. In fact, we’ve made many friends over the years. While we will be performing the typical Bavarian style music which is what is played at the ‘Beer Festival’, we will also be performing India songs which is the highlight this year,” said Johannes Grassl, who played the drums. “We've chosen to play Jai Ho and Mahi Ve,” he added.
The band, which kept increasing the pace of the music as the evening progressed, were looking forward to keeping the energy of the visitors high throughout the programme.
“We’ve started on a moderate note. But I’m sure people here will get more enthusiastic than they already are,” said Hans-Peter, a band member, pointing to the packed hall. The band, which performs mainly in Bangalore, were glad that the City never lets them down. 

   “We are extremely happy with the response we have received for each of our performances,” added Hans-Peter. Dressed in their traditional wear, it felt like home away from home for the German community living in the City during the celebrations. 
“Although the German community meets here often, getting together for the festival has been a lot of fun. It feels like a carnival out here. In fact, the music makes me feel like I’m at home,” said Susan, from south Germany who has been living in the City in the last one year. 

Angelita Dissenha, from Brazil who has lived in Germany, exclaimed, “The festival has been recreated so well that I feel I am in Germany. The place has been decorated really well. I’m happy to be here.” 

The evening, which concluded with a Bavarian dance and a lavish buffet, left the visitors craving for more. 

   “Every dish that has been prepared for the festival is typically German. Fifteen varieties of breads have been made. Besides, some popular dishes like Sauerkraut, Rotkohl and Pilaf are here. Among the desserts, we are offering black forest cake and apple strudel to name a few, have been specially prepared,” explained Chef Ramasamy Selvaraju, executive chef, Vivanta by Taj, MG Road.