Football fever grips Kolkata as Qatar FIFA World Cup kicks off

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 Tournament kicks off at Qatar's Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, Kolkata gears up for the celebration. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

Football aficionados in Kolkata, which is also known as India’s Football Mecca, release paper-made sky lanterns (fanush )to mark the opening day of the Qatar World Cup football Tournament on Sunday. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Even the city’s walls are adorned with the images of some of the world’s leading footballers including the likes of Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

One of the painted murals even features several hands holding a globe that represents football-playing countries like the 2014 tournament's host Brazil. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

City lanes in Kolkata are also decked up in different colours to celebrate the football championship. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

The wall paintings bear the symbols of football teams from various countries across the world. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Lanterns with impression of Lionel Messi were seen floating in the air, a fitting tribute to the Argentinian footballer who will be playing his last World Cup this year. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

One of the more prominent lanterns even carried a banner that included not only the official logo for the Qatar World Cup but also the flags of all participating countries. (Express photo by Partha Paul)