A traditional puja, complete with a pundit and mantras, kicked off the Indian Grand Prix for Sauber. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
Just before the practice session finally took off came the news that the Sauber F1 car would be blessed, full Indian style. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
The puja was done in attendance of a genuine pundit mouthing mantras and the bemused members of the fourth estate. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
Overseeing the pooja was Amul's (one of Sauber's sponsors in India) MD R S Sodhi, Sauber's MD Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber drivers Kobayashi and Perez. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
As the pundit annointed the car with chandan and kumkum, Kobayashi and Perez hovered over the car, with little flower garlands in hand. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
The Sauber F1 team has a strong Indian connection in the form of its CEO Monisha Narang Kaltenborn, who was born in Dehradun. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
It is perhaps for the first time that recital of mantras was heard during a ‘car puja’ in a Formula 1 team paddock. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
Both Sauber F1 drivers, Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi, participated in the puja. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
Bollywood celebrities and cricket stars are set to grace the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix on Sunday. Photo: STAR News Bureau.
