Traders and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the Delhi and NCR have planned for bumper discounts on products, screenings of the match and ‘dhol nagadas’ as they are buzzing with excitement for an India win in the cricket world cup finals. Several RWAs have made special screening arrangements in their local parks to view the match with snacks and celebrate the event collectively. Besides, the restaurants, bar and pubs have installed big TV screens to serving special drinks in the national capital and are pulling out all stops to cash in on the World Cup final frenzy. Across markets in Delhi, shop owners do not expect much business on the day as cricket fans are expected to watch the match in their homes.
Eateries and pubs across major metropolitan cities have made special preparations to welcome an army of cricket fans eager for the shining trophy to come "home". While some have curated quirky menu items, others have come up with irresistible offers. The restaurants and pubs in the national capital have prepared surprises, including 1+1 offers, discounts on wearing the Men in Blue jersey and free shots. Maxout club in Delhi has announced an 1+1 offer on all food and drinks while Limitless in Noida will provide a 25 per cent discount on the bill on wearing the Indian team's jersey. A restaurant owner, requesting anonymity, however, said the high pollution levels in the national capital might deter patrons from stepping out of their homes.
"Most markets in Delhi on Sunday will be closed and there will be a holiday-like atmosphere in the market. Shop owners in other areas will put up LED screens so that people can enjoy the match together. We hardly expect any business that day," Brijesh Goyal, chairman of Chamber of Trade and Industry said.
Traders in markets such as Khan Market, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Rohini, and Pitampura among other areas have arranged LED screens for passersby to enjoy the match, Goyal said. At some places, the rent for LED screens and projectors has doubled, he added.
As per a statement by CTI, as part of the special arrangements for Sunday, hotels and restaurants have prepared special dishes in the names of players, and have increased their seating capacity.
Many traders in Sarojini Nagar market said that they will provide up to 50 per cent discount on products if India bags the trophy. The sale of Indian jerseys has also gone up, said Ashok Randhawa, president of Sarojini Nagar market association.
"We will give up to 50 per cent discount on our products if team India wins this World Cup. Along with that we are planning to book 'dhol' bands for the celebration as firecrackers are banned in Delhi," he said. "There has been a significant rise in sales of blue (Indian team) jersey T-shirts in the market due the upcoming match," he said. Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) have also made arrangements with many residential societies hosting parties for the match. They have planned to host gala feasts and watch the match on a big screen.
Atul Goyal, president, United Residents Joint Action (URJA) -- the apex body of Delhi residential welfare associations, said that several societies will hold in-house parties and watch the match together. "We will put up a big screen for residents to watch and enjoy the match together. A special menu will be arranged for them," BS Vohra, president of East Delhi RWAs said.
