From Marine Drive to Dak Bungalow, city celebrates India’s victory

Patna: Jubilant scenes unfolded across the city on Sunday night as residents poured onto the streets to celebrate India’s thrilling T20 World Cup victory over New Zealand. From Dak Bungalow roundabout to JP Ganga Path, the capital reverberated with cheers, drumbeats and the sound of firecrackers as ecstatic fans waved the tricolour and chanted “India, India”.Cars and bikes moved through the streets honking horns while fans danced to celebratory beats, turning several parts of the city into impromptu victory parades.One of the biggest crowds assembled at JP Ganga Path, popularly known as Marine Drive, where the final was screened on a giant public screen. The tension of the nail-biting match gave way to thunderous applause as India sealed the victory, with fans hugging each other and erupting into celebration.“Watching the match with friends here was unforgettable. When the final wicket fell, everyone jumped and shouted together. It felt like the whole city was celebrating as one,” said Rohit Kumar, a student.Dr Kunal Kumar, a neurosurgeon and assistant professor at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, called it a proud moment for the country and the state. “It is not only a matter of pride for India but also for Bihar. Players like Ishan Kishan have made the country proud on the global stage,” he said, adding that initiatives by the Union govt and the BCCI in India have helped bring forward talents from remote parts of the country.Families too joined the celebrations. “We watched the final together at home and then stepped out for ice cream at Dak Bungalow roundabout, our favourite place for celebrations,” said Dr Vivek Kumar, associate professor in the ENT department at Patna Medical College and Hospital.Shopkeepers and local businesses also shared in the festive mood. Kamal Kishore, a grocery shop owner at Raja Bazar, said: “This is India’s moment. The team has shown the world why it is the best.”As the night progressed, the celebrations spilled across neighbourhoods with residents sharing videos and congratulatory messages on social media.