Thus far I have neglected to mention the other religion here in India. Cricket.
Cricket is a religion here and its players are the gods. Sachin is THE man - there is no question about that. Most or all of the players have sponsorships and endorsements and you see their faces everywhere promoting everything from real estate developments to soaps and toothpastes.
Being here in India for the World Cup, and in Delhi for most of it, has been a real treat.
When a game is being played there are people everywhere crowding around TV screens and radios to hear the latest.
In the first week we found a bar at the nearby Kahn Market that on the outside looked like Cafe Z but when we arrived, noticed that it was actually Cafe Oz (the O has fallen off the sign outside). Cringingly I entered this Australian bar which has now turned into our destination for watching the cricket. With happy hours and plenty of TV screens, it has been a busy venue for young modern Indians, and us.
People were mostly kind and sympathetic when I sat there in my ICC World Cup Australia shirt watching India beat us. The rest of the time, we have backed India, last night even donning face paint to show support.
Every boundary hit by India provokes whistles, cheers, group hugs and high fives. Getting a wicket is almost deafening - whether you are in a venue to watch the game or just out in the street.
After every Indian win, Delhi has erupted in fireworks - some looking a bit official, and some sounding like bombs or guns being fired. After India beat Pakistan last week we all ran up to the rooftop of the ISI (where we are staying) to watch the fireworks around Delhi. Some were not too far off hitting us.
The excitement in the city has been fantastic, work stops for every game and I suspect many things will be shut today and tomorrow as India recovers from its celebrations.
Congratulations India!
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