Oktober Fest, Munich's Iconic Beer Festival

Oktober Fest, Munich's Iconic Beer Festival

By Author

Published on September 17, 2023

Oktoberfest is a world-famous beer festival and traveling carnival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is the world's largest Volksfest (folk festival), running from mid- or late-September to around the first Sunday in October, with more than six million international and national visitors attending the event.

Oktoberfest originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (who later became King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festival concluded five days later with a horse race held in an open area that came to be called Theresienwiese. The following year the race was combined with a state agricultural fair, and in 1818 booths serving food and drink were introduced.

Today, Oktoberfest has evolved into a massive and internationally recognized event. Oktoberfest is a two-week celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring beer, food, music, and dancing. There are 14 large beer tents, each run by a different Bavarian brewery, as well as numerous smaller tents and booths serving food and drinks. 

Key features of Oktoberfest include:

Beer Tents: The festival is famous for its large beer tents, each run by different Munich breweries. These tents serve a variety of traditional German beers, with the most popular being Märzenbier, a strong, amber lager. Märzenbier is the traditional beer served at Oktoberfest. It is a strong lager that is brewed specifically for the festival.

Traditional Food: Alongside beer, Oktoberfest offers a wide range of traditional Bavarian foods such as sausages, pretzels, roast chicken, pork knuckles, and sauerkraut. Bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut are some of the most popular food items at Oktoberfest. Other popular dishes include roasted chicken, pork knuckles, and dumplings.

Live Music: The beer tents feature live music, including traditional German bands and modern music acts. It's common for attendees to dance on the benches and tables to the music.

Carnival Rides and Games: In addition to food and beer, Oktoberfest grounds include an amusement park with various rides and games, making it a family-friendly event.

Traditional Clothing: Many visitors and even some of the locals dress in traditional Bavarian attire, such as lederhosen (leather shorts) for men and dirndls (traditional dresses) for women.

Parades: There are often parades, including the grand opening procession and traditional costume parades.

Cultural Events: Oktoberfest showcases Bavarian culture with events like dance performances, craft exhibitions, and more.

Massive Crowds: Millions of people from around the world attend Oktoberfest each year, making it a truly international celebration.

It's important to note that while the Oktoberfest in Munich is the most famous and largest, similar Oktoberfest celebrations are held in many cities worldwide, often with a focus on German beer, food, and cultural traditions.


The Leela Gandhinagar Unveils Reimagined Menu at Diya

The Leela Gandhinagar Unveils Reimagined Menu at Diya

By Hariharan U

Published on March 3, 2026

Reinforcing its focus on refined Indian dining, The Leela Gandhinagar hosted a closed-door culinary evening to present a newly reimagined menu at its signature restaurant, Diya. The invite-only gathering welcomed select guests and food connoisseurs for a curated showcase centred on heritage flavours and elegant presentation.

The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the legacy of North Frontier cuisine, known for its bold spices, slow-cooking methods and time-honoured recipes. At Diya, these traditional elements have been retained while being refined with contemporary techniques and thoughtful plating. Seasonal produce and regional influences play a key role, with each dish crafted to reflect authenticity, depth and culinary precision.

Chef Ishtiyake, along with his seasoned kitchen team, leads this new direction. Drawing from experience across reputed five-star establishments, the team has shaped a menu that respects classical foundations while adapting to modern palates. During the evening, guests were introduced to the philosophy and inspiration behind the courses, making the experience interactive and immersive.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sood, General Manager, stated that the initiative underlines the hotel’s continued commitment to delivering elevated Indian cuisine paired with warm, intuitive hospitality.

With this unveiling, Diya enters a new phase, further positioning The Leela Gandhinagar as a distinguished fine-dining address in Gujarat.


Daryaganj Unveils Special Holi Beverage Menu

Daryaganj Unveils Special Holi Beverage Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

This Holi, Daryaganj invites guests to celebrate the festival of colors with a vibrant and thoughtfully curated festive beverage menu. Known for its classic flavours and authentic culinary roots, the restaurant brings together tradition and creativity to make Holi celebrations more colourful and refreshing.

Specially crafted for the festive season, the beverage selection reflects the spirit of Holi with playful twists on familiar favourites. Guests can enjoy drinks such as Ananas Thandai Margarita, Rang Barse Rose Chuski, Paan Kulfi Thandai, Aambi Thandai Margarita, and the signature Daryaganj Kulfi Thandai. Each drink is designed to offer a balance of nostalgia and freshness, making every sip feel celebratory.

These festive beverages pair beautifully with Daryaganj’s much-loved classics like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, adding an extra layer of indulgence to Holi gatherings with family and friends.

With its warm setting and well-known hospitality, Daryaganj continues to be a preferred place to come together and celebrate festivals over comforting, familiar flavours. This Holi menu adds a festive spark, encouraging guests to slow down, share moments, and enjoy the joy of the season.

Fact Sheet:

  • Location: All Daryaganj outlets

  • Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM.


Chinese Wok Enters Agra, Marks 75th North India Outlet

Chinese Wok Enters Agra, Marks 75th North India Outlet

By Hariharan U

Published on March 2, 2026

Chinese Wok, one of India’s leading Desi Chinese QSR chains from Lenexis Foodworks, has entered Agra with the launch of its first outlet in the city. Located at Sanjay Place, Civil Lines, the opening also marks the brand’s 75th store in North India, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance in its national growth plans.

The new outlet received an encouraging response in its first week, recording strong footfall and early traction among local consumers. Agra, with its young population, student base and steady tourist inflow, presents a strong consumption market for organised dining formats.

Commenting on the expansion, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “North India continues to be a key growth engine for Chinese Wok. Reaching our 75th store in the region reflects not just expansion, but deepening consumer trust in emerging markets. Agra is not only a strong residential and commercial hub but also one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. This gives us an opportunity to serve both local consumers and the steady influx of domestic travellers seeking reliable, organised dining options. Our cluster-led strategy allows us to scale efficiently while delivering a consistent, high-quality QSR experience across cities.”

Designed to cater to students, families and working professionals, the Agra store offers value-driven combos, Kurkure Momos and Manchurian available in six sauces. The outlet will operate for dine-in, takeaway and delivery, while also contributing to local employment and the city’s organised food service ecosystem

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