RAIPUR, INDIA, March 21, 2004: The head priest of a temple in Chhatisgarh, India was awed by the massive turnout of cricket fans who came to pray at the temple, way more than devotees who come on a religious day. “I have been here for a decade, but never seen so many devotees throng the Kali temple from morning to noon. They all have the same prayer — for an India victory,” said chief priest Vishnu Shastri. India is trailing 1-2 in the one-day international cricket series against Pakistan. Lahore hosts the final two one-dayers Sunday and Wednesday. Wishing luck to the Indian players, cricket lovers offered special prayers to Goddess Kali at the temple. The chief priest, not an avid follower of game, also joined the prayers. Theatre-owners are also cashing in on the passion, showing the matches live in their halls.
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