Unprecedented World Cup Celebrations in Mangalore, Shirva

Pics By Adarsh Ayyappan
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 03 April 2011: Delirious fans broke into unprecedented celebrations across the city of Mangalore, as I witnessed it near Venkataramana Temple and Empire Mall areas. Cricket fans setting off fireworks and partying on the streets savouring glory as India won the cricket World Cup. As soon as Team India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck a huge six to post India`s historic triumph, cricket fans who were watching the match with their family and friends came out of their houses for celebration. The city has never witnessed such a joyous celebration for any sports victory in the recent times. The celebrations continued in the city through until this morning.

 

World Cup Celebration in Shirva

 

 

The crowds, which had vanished from the streets yesterday afternoon to watch the match on TV, reappeared after the Indian skipper sealed the win over Sri Lanka. Many fans broke into tears even as they shouted `India... India...`, it was a special moment for many young fans who had not watched India`s previous World Cup triumph in 1983.

 

In Mangalore

 

 

"Many of us were either not born in 1983 or were not grown up to watch Kapil Dev win in the West Indies. We have grown up hearing the Kapil Devil`s story from our parents” said a young fan. "We waited through years, and six editions of World Cups passed by. The moment has come now," said another fan, accompanied by his jubilant friends. "Celebration has just begun... It will go on and on. We will not stop", they said.

 

It appeared as if the Christmas, New year and Diwali celebrations were no match to the celebration of Team India`s world cup victory. The cricket fans, who marched on the streets, celebrated the moment in all conceivable ways. Holding the Indian flag aloft, they raised slogans like `Chak de India`; burst crackers, hugged each other, distributed sweets.