Pune Oktoberfest 2016

It is the third week of October and the Oktoberfest is over in Pune.  It is one opportunity where I get to click some good candid pictures, like this one - a special kiss: 

Or the one of this couple who were totally engrossed by the music belted out by the live band.

I tried to click this child enjoying a ride, but the parents spotted me and was quick with an appropriate smile. 

Conducted by the IGCC (Indo German Chamber of Commerce-Pune) it is held every year at the Pune Race Course premises.

Youngsters and the not the so young come for a swig and  to shake a leg: 

Some like to pose with the band while others are real quick in posing when they see that my camera is pointed at them (taking selfies has made them an expert in this field) 

In this video you can see how this guy below (in red tee shirt) got himself into this funny pose.  

Did make a few videos and uploaded them on You Tube, while some are on the FB site of Pune Oktoberfest.

If you are patient enough, you can get some profile pictures with a good dark background.

Space is the main constraint especially when it comes to dancing, and trying to capture some action in that crowd is not easy. 

Apart from the beer, there was a constant flow of some  good German food.

Earlier during the day, there was the horse race with some of the sponsors keen to see their horses win. 

At this enclosure, I saw this bell, probably hanging there from the British era. It may not be in use now, but I like the shine on it. 

Also saw this photographer catching a few winks while taking care of his gear too. 

Got some more footage of the dance and the band in action. Will link those videos here later, once I compile them. 

Mumbai Christmas Fest 2014

The best thing I liked about this year’s Christmas Fest was that children were having a gala time. 

Everyone wanted to give the skating blades a try, and they enjoyed falling and trying again. 

The Christmas father was the main attraction for the young ones and the big line to get the goodies was proof of that. The organisers had a tough time keeping everything in order.

I liked his entry in a "fancy sleigh"

A group of kids happy to pose with him 

 while some were a bit stiff 

 I even found a child petrified of this white bearded alien and was clinging to his mother, bawling away.  You can see more in the first video.

This boy was posing on a Vardenchi motorcycle while another one waited (are they twins?)

Kids were getting the hang of playing the tambola (housie)

The showman kept the toddlers happy with his jugglery 

While processing this picture, I had a close look at his nose and was wondering how he could perform with that ball continuously pinching his nose.
At the end of the show, they were eager to be photographed with the "colourful men" (or rather the parents were eager)

Some had the added advantage of a good view from the top.

Nobody wanted to miss the chance of being photographed in front of the Christmas tree.

Later in the evening, the German band Die Vagabunden entertained the crowd and there were many on the dance floor  (as is evident from the video ) 

A section of the crowd enthralled by the band. 

 

The IGCC did a good job of arranging the complete event and there was no dearth of food or beer.

The band group posing with some friends 

 and a candid shot

Some were ready to give a posed shot

while some were busy with selfies

 
By the way this is the first time I used a dual shoulder harness for my cameras and found it very useful and handy. Like one guy told me “You are the most dangerous person in the party” When I asked him why, he said: “with two cameras hanging on either side, we don’t know which one you will pull up and shoot”   

Planning to write two more blogs, one on the Mumbai Oktober fest and another one on the Mahalaxmi Race course. 

If you are watching the video on YouTube, keep the settings on 720pHD for clarity. One more video has been uploaded on Facebook.