Rajkot 'padyatra' vows prayers for Team India

People of Rajkot city have made elaborate plans for watching the crucial World Cup match between India and Pakistan on Wednesday. Residents have made preparations to watch the cricket encounter not only on TV at their homes but also in multiplexes and on large screens that are to be erected at different places in the city.

People of Rajkot are known for their colourful celebration of all festivals and also for their craze for cricket. They can be heard talking earnestly about the match in the streets of the city, even though the face-off in Mohali is still one day away. Cricket fever has truly gripped Rajkot so much so that not only youngsters, even the city's businessmen have decided not to work after 2.30 pm on Wednesday, once the match begins.

Tricolour Rally
A cricket-loving group took out a Tricolour rally in support of Team India. More than 100 youths carrying posters of the Indian cricket team and shouting slogans about India's 'inevitable win', took part in the rally that was organised by a trust named Bol Bala Dham.

The rally passed through different parts of Rajkot and was welcomed by people everywhere.

Offering 51 coconuts to lord Hanuman
Yet another group of cricket enthusiasts is unwilling to leave matters in the hands of all too human cricketers. It has decided to offer 51 coconuts to Lord Hanuman at a famous local temple to ensure an Indian victory. Another group has decided to hoist 51 flags atop a Balaji temple in the city. Flags atop a temple are indicators of faith for Hindu devotees.

Muslims pray for victory of India
Muslims offered special prayers in a local mosque for India's victory at Mohali. The prayer was organized by the local BJP leader, Kadar Salot. The group has also decided to decorate many areas with lighted bulbs and distribute sweets if India wins in the semi-final match.

Yagna in Rajkot district prison
Inmates of the Rajkot district prison held a yagna to ensure Team India's victory. The prisoners are as impatient as everyone to see India win in the match against arch rivals Pakistan.

Seven youths vow to walk barefoot 
Seven Rajkot youths have taken a vow that they would undertake a special pilgrimage to the famous Hanuman temple, Sat Hanuman, if Team India wins. Bharat Dasani, Bhavin Mehta and the other youths said they had vowed that, if India wins, they would go barefoot to the famous Hanuman temple that is 15 km away from Rajkot city, and offer prayers there.

Hemu Gadhvi Hall to witness high drama
The famous Hemu Gadhvi Hall in the city is decorated with posters of Team India cricketers, flags and other cricket-related material. A social worker, Gunubhai Devavala, has organized a screening of the match on a large screen amid DJ music and exploding crackers. He and his friends will be celebrated every notable moment of the match by firing a cracker with DJ music in the background.

Cosmoplex multiplex runs full
The popular multiplex, Cosmoplex, is going to screen the Indo-Pak semi-final match live. The theatre's tickets are sold out and it has put up 'Houseful' boards outside the theatre.

Big screen for common man
A group of social workers and cricket fans will show the match live on a large screen at the busy Jubilee Chowk area of Rajkot. The show will be open to all. The show is expected to attract a huge crowd.