The day is almost here, and the wait is over. India is set to play the final against Australia in the Finals of the Cricket World Cup. The stage is set for the highly anticipated game, and India has delivered a top-notch performance throughout the game. Australia, after fumbling initially, also has won eight games in a row and would like to add another title to their kitty. India will step on the ground to add another star to their jersey.
Globally, as a spectator, it is always refreshing to enjoy the game with a chilled beer, or a couple of drinks with friends while supporting your team. However, this won’t be possible for a lot of cricket fans this time, since the date of the final is clashing with Chhath Puja.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival, celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal and some parts of Nepal. The four-day festival is dedicated to the sun God Surya and Chhathi maiya. During the festival, women practice fasting and worship for the prosperity of the family. However, it is not specific to the gender. This year, Chhath puja is dated from November 17 to November 20. Every year, people travel back to their homes for the Puja, and celebrate the festival with their family and beloved.
Excitement for the Final Showdown
Alcohol or any sort of intoxication is strictly forbidden during this auspicious festival. Hence, a lot of fans would have to reconsider their plans. In a conversation with the Financial Express, Aman Raj, a resident of Delhi, who has travelled to his parents who live in Bengaluru, but find their roots in Bihar said that without alcohol, it will not be as fun as it could be. Now he would have to watch the game with his family. Aman has purchased crackers to burst if India brings the World Cup home.
Similarly, Rajiv Chaturvedi, another working professional based in Delhi, who has travelled to Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh for Diwali and Chhath Puja, says that the excitement for the game is peaking, but he won’t be able to keep up with his promise with his friends to go out and watch the finals on a special screening in a sports bar.
While alcohol can add to the fun element, it will be an override of the emotions of the fans who desperately want India to lift the World Cup and assert their dominance in World Cricket.
Disclaimer: Financial Express does not endorse, or promote the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is injurious to health.