As soon as Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit the winning shot - a six, entire Nagpur erupted in joy. Celebrations on an unprecedented scale were witnessed in every square of the city. Ecstatic people danced with joy even as fire crackers went up in the sky. Thousands of Nagpurians landed on West High Court road to celebrate the World Cup final victory.
Earlier, an uneasy calm prevailed on the roads after the quick dismissal of Virendra Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Many felt that India had lost the plot. However, as Gambhir and Kohli steadied the innings the hopes revived. Mood swung to negative again when Kohli was dismissed.
It was only after India crossed 150 that people watching television on the streets started breathing easy. As India neared 250, the deserted markets soon turned into a site for boisterous celebrations. Many said that it was victory of Ram's army over Ravan's men.
Most Nagpurians were glued to television sets, cheering as Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh not wasting even a single ball and expressing expert views on what India ought to do to win. There were some tense moments when Yuvi missed four dot balls of Malinga's over and feared that Sri Lanka will repeat its 1996 performance.
Several hotels, restaurants and clubs had made special arrangements for people to watch the final encounter.
In the afternoon when Lanka was batting people were on city roads attending to their day to day business. Many shops had television sets and people gathered in front of them to watch the match for a few minutes. Shopkeepers in Sitabuldi and Dharampeth said that business was not much affected.
Soon after India won, thousands of cricket fans had gathered on West High Court road - particularly from Law College Square to Bajaj Nagar square - to celebrate. Fans celebrated with fireworks, greetings and congratulating each other. Some were seen carrying the Indian flag in joy and even little kids joined in the fun. There was lots of dancing, singing, and even some live music in various parts of the city.
"I have not seen such celebrations in my entire life," said Vinod Nair, who had turned up along with his family including two children.
Earlier, an uneasy calm prevailed on the roads after the quick dismissal of Virendra Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Many felt that India had lost the plot. However, as Gambhir and Kohli steadied the innings the hopes revived. Mood swung to negative again when Kohli was dismissed.
It was only after India crossed 150 that people watching television on the streets started breathing easy. As India neared 250, the deserted markets soon turned into a site for boisterous celebrations. Many said that it was victory of Ram's army over Ravan's men.
Most Nagpurians were glued to television sets, cheering as Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh not wasting even a single ball and expressing expert views on what India ought to do to win. There were some tense moments when Yuvi missed four dot balls of Malinga's over and feared that Sri Lanka will repeat its 1996 performance.
Several hotels, restaurants and clubs had made special arrangements for people to watch the final encounter.
In the afternoon when Lanka was batting people were on city roads attending to their day to day business. Many shops had television sets and people gathered in front of them to watch the match for a few minutes. Shopkeepers in Sitabuldi and Dharampeth said that business was not much affected.
Soon after India won, thousands of cricket fans had gathered on West High Court road - particularly from Law College Square to Bajaj Nagar square - to celebrate. Fans celebrated with fireworks, greetings and congratulating each other. Some were seen carrying the Indian flag in joy and even little kids joined in the fun. There was lots of dancing, singing, and even some live music in various parts of the city.
"I have not seen such celebrations in my entire life," said Vinod Nair, who had turned up along with his family including two children.
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