In PHOTOS: Smashing fun at World's largest BEER party

The 179th Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, is underway in the Bavarian capital, Munich.

The festival, which is attended by some six million visitors from all around the world every year, offers fairground entertainment that has become rare, such as nostalgic merry-go-rounds and public spectacles, horse races and animal shows, art, culture and historical customs, special culinary delights and a multi-faceted programme for children.

Rediff.com takes you on a ride through the party.

Revellers toast after getting the first beer in the traditional one-litre "Masskrug" beer mugs at  the opening day of the Munich Oktoberfest at the Theresienwiese in Munich, September 22, 2012. The world's biggest beer festival runs until October 7.

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Revellers toast after getting the first beer in the traditional one-litre "Masskrug" beer mugs at  the opening day of the Munich Oktoberfest at the Theresienwiese in Munich, September 22, 2012. The world's biggest beer festival runs until October 7. 

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Green Party members Margarete Bause (L) and Claudia Roth toast during the opening ceremony for the 179th Oktoberfest in Munich September 22, 2012. Millions of beer drinkers from around the world will come to the Bavarian capital over the next two weeks for the 179th Oktoberfest, which starts today and runs until October 7, 2012.

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A waitress carries beer after the opening of the 179th Oktoberfest in Munich September 22, 2012. Millions of beer drinkers from around the world will come to the Bavarian capital over the next two weeks for the 179th Oktoberfest, which starts today and runs until October 7, 2012.   

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Revellers toast after getting the first beer in the traditional one-litre "Masskrug" beer mugs at  the opening day of the Munich Oktoberfest at the Theresienwiese in Munich, September 22, 2012. The world's biggest beer festival runs until October 7. 

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An actor performs during the Oktoberfest parade in Munich September 23, 2012. Millions of beer drinkers from around the world will come to the Bavarian capital over the next two weeks for the 179th Oktoberfest, which runs until October 7, 2012.  

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