India dresses up for the big party

KOLKATA: Home for Dada and the craziest cricket fans in India, this city is gearing up for one big party during Sunday’s finals. Appointments are being cancelled, work re-scheduled as fans, politicians, painters, film personalities and singers prepare for a grand end to India’s African safari.
State urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya has announced his plans to collect Indian team’s World Cup gear for display at a cricket museum in Siliguri.Sports minister Subhas Chakraborty has announced that the state sports board will put up 20 giant screens for people who have no access to TV.
Meanwhile, trams have been decorated in Indian tri-colour and posters of the cricketers. Some private buses have added a dash of blue to the normally dull grey exteriors.
Singing legend Manna Dey is steadfastly rooting for little genius Sachin Tendulkar with his family. “I will egg on Sachin to counter Bret Lee’s menace, pity he won’t hear me,� Dey said.�
Former Railway minister Mamata Banerjee definitely home to watch the game. “When India plays a final it has to be watched.�
Actress Debasree Roy is planning to play hookie. “I have pleaded with the director not to take my shots. After all the World Cup final isn’t played everyday,� Roy says.
AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: Young Vicky and Rashika Chauhan plan to recreate the electrifying atmosphere of South Africa in a Vadodara hotel.
“A group of about 30 to 40 friends will troop down, all wearing the India T-shirt. We will go around the city as soon as India lifts the cup,� says Rashika.
Residents doctors of the SSG Hospital will be seen in blue rather than the white on Sunday evening in the hostel halls with TV sets. The Parthiv Patel Fan Club, which has over 500 members, has organised a special screening at a Bapunagar hotel. Around 1,000 people will cheer team India at Fun Republic.