Celebrations broke out in Toronto Saturday afternoon after India defeated Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup.
Cars drove up and down through the city's Little India with their horns blaring and flags flapping in the wind.
Some downtown bars screening the match were at capacity Saturday morning.
After India's victory, dozens of fans waving flags marched down Yonge Street.
Many Canadians of Indian and Sri Lankan descent describe the sport as a religion.
They say they've been watching cricket on television for as long as they can remember.
Parras Pudam, 25, a newcomer to Toronto, says watching the game makes him feel close to his roots.
"Cricket unites everyone," said Pudam, who used to play cricket for his state in India.
"There is no barrier of cost, creed, sex, religion, race, nothing. We know one thing, which is cricket."
Choudhry Umer, 32, owner of 786 Halal Restaurant in Toronto, says he always screens the World Cup at his restaurant because it brings people together.
"Indian friends are here, Pakistanis are here, Sri Lankans are here sitting together," said the Pakistan native who resides in Toronto.
"It's more than a game. It's a friendship. We want friendship here, we want peace in the world and in the community."
Patrons inside Pudam's restaurant were ecstatic and hollered with joy when the victory was announced.
"We have been waiting for this for the last 30 years," said Moiniddin Meraj, a native of India. "Today our dream came true."
