With the highly awaited Champions Trophy final drawing near, cricket frenzy has engulfed the whole country, and Varanasi is no different. The ardent cricket enthusiasts of the holy city have come together to make special prayers, asking for divine intervention to help Team India win the galaxy-studded final.
Varanasi, being a religiously charged city and possessing such ancient beliefs, saw many cricket fans thronging temples and ghats in an attempt to have special pujas performed. Pilgrims at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple offered prayers, reciting hymns and lighting diyas so that Lord Shiva's blessings could be drawn to secure India's victory. Havans (fire worship) were even performed, praying for the captain-in-command team's return with the much-desired trophy.
In Dashashwamedh Ghat, fans staged a grand celebration of Ganga Aarti and presented the religious ritual to Team India. The fans wore blue jerseys, waving Indian cricketer posters and chanting slogans like "Jeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega!" The environment was filled with dynamism and spirit as individuals exhibited their unwavering support for the team.
Social media is also buzzing with enthusiasm in Varanasi as the fans tweet pictures and videos of their unique ways of praying for India to win. A few have also vowed to offer special fasts and charity if India wins the final.
With cricket being a religion of sorts in India, these prayers show how deep and emotional people's relations are with the sport. With the last match approaching, the whole country, including devoted people like those in Varanasi, is waiting with bated breath to see if their prayers will be granted with a glorious Indian victory.
