It's obvious that Guwahati is getting ready for something significant by the time your plane lands on the tarmac.
The vibrant aubergine hued hoardings of the Women's World Cup 2025 greet you from every corner of the terminal, echoing the region's preferred flavour, even before your luggage reaches the conveyor belt.Every airport entrance and exit is flanked by inviting billboards that highlight the match days in the city, including the semifinal, which is now only potentially held in Guwahati.
There are several advertisements even on the National Highway leading into the city.
As you are already aware, this is not only Guwahati's first Women's ODI appearance; it is the cricket mad nation's first World Cup hosting in more than ten years.
The fact that a little city in the Northeastern part of the country won the tournament opener is reason enough for Guwahati to celebrate.
However, it hums instead of shouting. There is definitely a buzz in the air. The energy, however, is different.
Assam typically experiences spectacular pandals, dazzling streets, and devotional chants that reverberate well after midnight throughout Pujo season.
However, that joyous clamour has subsided somewhat this year. They are in mourning in the city.
Ten days ago, Zubeen Garg, a well known Bollywood playback singer and native of Assam, died.
Even some of the pujo pandals have homage posters that honour him, so even if his disappearance is noticeable, his presence endures
Not far from the joyous hoarding congratulating Devajit Saikia on his appointment as the BCCI Honorary Secretary, a running banner of Zubeen silently gazes out on the ACA Stadium's outer wall.
The two hang side by side, serving as a reminder of both glory and sorrow, seemingly capturing Guwahati's conflicting emotions in September.
The city is simultaneously rejoicing and grieving.
Nevertheless, cricket is starting to join the discourses that are often focused on the Goddess and the joyous meals.
Culture and cricket are working together, not vying for the same audience.
The cricket throng is starting to absorb some of the early foot traffic from the pujo pandalright across from the Barsapara.
