Welcome Barack Obama! India gets ready

Atithi Devo Bhava:
India prides itself on its hospitality and never more than when the charismatic Barack Obama is to visit, come November. The streets, the shops, the restaurants, the people are all dressing up. For the festive season and Obama alike. The US President lands in India on the day after Diwali and shall be here for three days. (AFP Photo)

Mumbai Meri Jaan:
This is Mumbai. The first port of call for the US President. Barack Obama shall land here on Saturday, November 6. In Mumbai, his first stop will be the iconic Taj Hotel, targeted by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2008. He will meet 26/11 survivors there.(AFP Photo)

Window to the World:
A grand latticed window and the gates of the magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel get a spit and polish in honour of US President Barak Obama who shall be visiting India early next month.(AP Photo)

Paint the Town:
Add some colour, shine it up. Barack Obama is coming to town.(AFP Photo)

In Full Swing:
Beautifying Mumbai outside the iconic Taj Mahal hotel near Gateway of India ahead of the visit of US President Barack Obama.(PTI Photo)

Dusky Beauty:
The beautiful Marine Drive is being renovated to look even more spectacular ahead of the Obama visit. (AP Photo)

Gather the Green Thumbs:
Some weeding shall be followed by some planting to ensure a green Mumbai greets the US President. (AFP Photo)

High Point:
Some more light for Mumbai as broken street lights are fixed as part of the Mumbai face-lift. (AFP Photo)

Will he, won't he?
A debate on whether President Barack Obama should visit the holy city of Amritsar ensued after reports that the Golden Temple was no longer a part of the US President's itinerary.

The resplendent fish at the Golden Temple seem to join in. (AFP Photo)

Crafty designs:
A visit to the Golden temple couldn't be a part of the US President's itinerary. Reason? Probably because a picture of Obama with his head covered, offering prayers at the Harminder Sahib could provide fodder for the right-wingers back home to further confuse unsuspecting Americans about Obama's religion.

Yet, this Amritsar artist is ready with his gift just in case Obama does drop in. Harwinder Singh Gill has delicately carved Obama's portrait on a duck egg shell. Harvinder, incidentally, is a dental hygienist. (AFP Photo)

The face that launched a thousand sales:
It's time for some Obama merchandise disappearing fast at a stall near you. Here, Obama flip-flops - Made in China, sold in Mumbai. (AFP Photo)

India is ready:
In all its tri-coloured glory to welcome Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.(AFP Photo)

The Obama-Bihar connection:
Even though this village in Eastern Bihar might not be a part of Obama's itinerary, it still hasn't escaped from Obama-mania.

Flying of the shelves as the Prez jets in:
In Obama season, it is fashionable to have read his books. Book sellers such as this one in Mumbai are making hay while Obama shines. (AP Photo)

Wear Your Obama:
There is an Obama T shirt too if you would like to wear your hospitality on your sleeve. Selling at this clothing store in Mumbai.