RCB fans in Bengaluru seek divine blessings, root for special holiday
Bengaluru: The heart for sure will skip a beat and time will stand still for that nanosecond for RCB fans in the city and beyond should Royal Challengers Bengaluru go on to win their first IPL title today.
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So strong are sentiments right here, right now that many RCB supporters have written to chief minister Siddaramaiah, requesting for a state holiday if RCB are crowned champions.
As the hours, minutes and seconds are tantalisingly counted down for RCB to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the title-clash in Ahmedabad this evening, Bengaluru has a prayer on its lips and a heart full of hope that in the 18th edition of the competition, the crown will be theirs – even as chants of "Ee Sala Cup Namde" echo across homes, pubs, and public gatherings here.
With RCB making the final after 11 years, Bengalureans are leaving no stone unturned to 'ensure' their team lift the coveted trophy.
Fans across the city have performed special pujas at Hanuman and Ganesha temples, with a 'homa' organised at Chamundeshwari temple — the deity regarded as Karnataka's state goddess.
Clad in the ubiquitous RCB team red shirts, hundreds of fans, led by Chamaraja MLA K Harish Gowda, gathered at the Amrutheshwara temple on Dewan's Road, waving posters of their favourite stars.
A special homa was also performed to invoke divine blessing for the team's win.
Not to be left behind, the city's streets and vehicles are equally resplendent in RCB colours. While car stickers bearing the team's name are a common sighting, one die-hard fan has taken things to the next level — wrapping his entire XUV500 with images of RCB players in a stunning tribute to the team.
Bengaluru's pubs and resto-bars are fully booked for the night, with match screenings planned across these venues. PVR INOX has announced special screenings of the final in 30 cities, with tickets being snapped up faster than you'd take to finish reading this article!
Vinay Chandrashekar of Long Boat Brewing Co in Marathahalli said they've seen an overwhelming response to Tuesday's final.
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"On a regular Tuesday, we see about 300 guests, but tomorrow, we're expecting more than 900. We're not a dedicated sports bar, but the energy around this match is incredible," he said.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Biswa Bhusbad Linka, the group general manager at House of Commons, said: "Each of our seven outlets seats 300 to 400 people, and we're completely booked. All four of our associated brands are packed, too. People are calling us non-stop for reservations.
The energy is absolutely electric," he said.
The RCB fever has even reached the corridors of power. Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar expressed his support, saying: "Bengaluru boys RCB will win in Ahmedabad. The govt and the people of Karnataka are eagerly waiting. Many fans are travelling to watch the match. Let us all hope and pray for a win."
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Time of India
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Indian Express
9 minutes ago
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