Steve Waugh plays Holi with flowers at Udayan

Petals of rose and marigold were today showered on Australian skipper Steve Waugh by the inmates of Udayan, a home for children of leprosy parents, as they played Holi with the celebrated cricketer.

Waugh, who took time off his busy cricketing schedule to visit Udayan at Barrackpore, near the metropolis, was in great spirits as he mingled freely with the inmates for about 90 minutes.

The Aussie skipper, who raises funds for Udayan, was accompanied by his twin brother Mark, batsman Justin Langer, stumper Brad Haddin and coach John Buchanan to the delight of the inmates who gave a spontaneous and tumultous welcome to the Australian cricketers this afternoon.

Waugh, who has led Australia to a world record 16 successive Test victories, gifted biscuits, chocolates and pencil boxes to the children. Broadening the smiles on the faces of the inmates, 'Uncle Steve' also had a photo session with them.

An atomsphere of gay abandon took over the lush green fields of Udayan, as the Aussie skipper and his teammates readily agreed to some of the boys' wish to play cricket with him.

Eighteen year-old Kamar Khan, Mithun Singh, Dipak Hansda and Tapas Das were a few of the lucky ones who played the game of willow with the famous cricketers.

Lacing entertainment with fun, the children staged a cultural show for their guests and kept them enthralled with soulful strains of violin, a touching folk dance performance and a yogasana drill.

Waugh's sentimental bond with the children of Udayan dates back to 1998, when he evinced keen interest in the activites of the Home during Australia's tour of India. The Australians had played a Test against India here which gave him the opportunity to see the project for himself.

The Australian captain had returned to the city shortly after the completion of the tour to lay the foundation stone of 'Nivedita Bhavan', the girls' wing of Udayan. He also took the initiative to raise funds for the project and even sent a shipment of supplies including folding cots for the Home.

Waugh paid his third visit to Udayan last year when he flew in from Johannesburg and inaugurated 'Nivedita Bhavan'. Continuing the good work, he also raised Rs 20.25 lakh through an auction-cum-charity dinner.