Traveller's Diary: Experience food, nightlife, sport, music and dance around the world

RAJASTHAN INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL (RIFF)

When: October 17-21

Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The best time to visit Rajasthan is approaching soon. Participate in the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) 2013 in Jodhpur starting from 17-21 October and let the magic take over. Jodhpur RIFF, which is a not-for-profit partnership project involving two of Indiafs leading heritage trusts: Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation organises this beautiful festival annually. Endorsed by UNESCO as a ePeoplesf Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development, HH Gaj Singh of Marwar-Jodhpur is the Chief Patron of Jodhpur RIFF and Sir Mick Jagger, front man of the rock band The Rolling Stones is international patron of Jodhpur RIFF. Timed to coincide with Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year in north India, Jodhpur RIFF features a series of spectacular concerts and events based in and around Mehrangarh. Experience Rajasthanfs musical heritage, local folk music and exciting performances. Itfs a a good idea to book your stay early to avoid rush hour.

OKTOBERFEST 2013

When: Till October 6, 2013

Where: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Oktoberfest is popularly organised in every town now but we suggest you witness the original annual beer festival held in Munich, Bavaria over 16-18 days from late September to first weekend in October. This German festival is the biggest in the world. Interestingly, the Munich Oktoberfest began in 1810, as a wedding party thrown by King Joseph Maximilian of Bavaria to celebrate his marriage to Princess Theresa of Saxony. And the party continues...

ROCKING THE DAISIES MUSIC & LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL

When: October 3-6

Where: South Africa

After a sell-out festival in 2012, audiophiles and rock music lovers are prepared for Rocking the Daisies to, once again, transform the Cloof Wine Estate in Darling into a live music mecca. This year the jam-packed weekend features headline acts, Indie electro group Alt-J, Swedish garage-rock band The Hives, heavyweight electronic act Boys Noize and the gods of punk rock, British Indie ensemble Skunk Anansie. Rocking the Daisies, now in its 8th year, is notorious for providing premier festival features, resulting in one epic weekend! Head to the Cloof Wine Estate, Darling, Western Cape, South Africa.

SUN FESTIVAL ABU SIMBEL

When: October 22

Where: Abu Simbel, Egypt

Ramses II built his temple at Abu Simbel so that the internal chamber would light up two times a year: once on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne (in February, around the 22nd), and once on his birthday (in October, around the 22nd). Every year on the Sun Festival, crowds gather before sunrise to observe the stream of light gradually sneaking through the stone and lightening the statuettes of Ramses, Ra and Amun in the central chamber. Only the statue of Ptah - the God of darkness - remains in the shade even on these two special days of the year. The small village of Abu-Simbel lies 280 km south of Aswan, and only 40 km north of the Sudanese border. Try to stay over at Abu Simbel to witness its magnificence at your own leisurely pace and comfort.