What Special Prayers Are Being Held in Varanasi as India Prepares for the Asia Cup Showdown with Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Devotees in Varanasi held special prayers for Team India's success.
- The atmosphere was filled with patriotic chants and rituals.
- Fans across India expressed confidence in the team’s abilities.
- The match is set against a backdrop of historical tension.
- Critics question the implications of sporting relations with Pakistan.
New Delhi, Sep 14 (NationPress) In anticipation of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match scheduled for Sunday, devoted followers in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, engaged in special prayers at Rajendra Prasad Ghat, invoking divine assistance for Team India's success.
The banks of the Ganga transformed into a hub of patriotic and spiritual enthusiasm, with chants of "Har Har Mahadev" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" resonating across the ghats.
Participants performed the Ganga Aarti, offered prayers while standing in the river, and displayed images of Indian cricketers alongside the national flag. Some even held pictures of Lord Hanuman, seeking strength and victory for the team.
Rajesh Shukla, a local cricket fan, remarked, “India has always triumphed over Pakistan, whether in warfare, economics, or sports. Today’s match is akin to a battle. We stand firm in our belief of victory.”
This enthusiasm extended beyond Varanasi. Across the nation, citizens expressed optimism and confidence in Team India's capabilities. In Mumbai, fans passionately discussed the team's strengths.
A resident of Mumbai noted, “India’s prowess is undeniable. I closely watch Hardik Pandya; he is in exceptional form right now. No one can rival him in batting or bowling. He is our game-changer.”
Similarly, enthusiasm ran high in Belagavi, Karnataka.
A cricket enthusiast there declared, “Suryakumar is an excellent captain. We are confident India will win this match and overcome Pakistan.”
Even in the national capital, Delhi, cricket fans expressed their excitement.
A local in Delhi stated, “All of India is thrilled for the match. Cricket should be embraced in the spirit of the game, but defeating Pakistan is always a unique thrill.”
The match is set to commence at 8:00 p.m. IST in Dubai.
This face-off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium occurs less than five months after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.
In retaliation, the Indian Army initiated 'Operation Sindoor', targeting several terrorists and their camps.
Despite this, the upcoming cricket match between India and Pakistan has incited significant anger, with critics questioning the timing and the implications of sporting relations with a nation frequently linked to cross-border terrorism.