It is cricket mania, Indian style 

In India, cricket is almost a religion and cricketers are held in high esteem. Cricket-crazy Indians have sought the help of the Gods from the heavens for the success of the national team. 

In Chennai, capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, a schoolteacher organized a Hindu fire ritual for Team India's victory in the World Cup. Nearly 1500 children are participating in the fire ritual. Many such prayer rituals are being held across the country for the success of the national team. "We hope that our prayers will be answered and Indian team will bring the cup to India," said Santhanam, the schoolteacher who organized the fire ritual. 

In Kolkata, home to the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly - called Maharaja in his home state of West Bengal - kite makers have flooded the market with kites in the colour of national flags of participating nations as well as paintings of famous cricketers. It is also an ingenious way to make some quick money, sailing on the wave of the world cup fervor. The kites are in great demand among the local cricket fans some of who plan to fly the kites according to the country which is playing on that particular day.

Team India has begun their campaign for the World Cup with a sound victory over minnows Netherlands by 182 runs in the warm up match on 5th March, Tuesday. Indians will play another warm up match in preparation for the world cup on Friday, 9th march against hosts West Indies. Sixteen national teams will fight for the Cup, beginning on March 13th. The final will be played in Barbados on April 28.