Kolkata: The Eden Gardens' green turf here was deluged in a sea of purple as nearly 30,000 fans waited to welcome home team Kolkata Knight Riders, winners of this year's Indian Premier League.

A troupe of dhaakis (drummers) and tribal dancers added to the frenzied atmosphere inside the arena. Fans clad in KKR jerseys matched steps to the beat of drums and waved around flags and flyers.