New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS): The multitude of Anna Hazare supporters, who were with him at Ramlila Maidan here for the last 12 days, returned Sunday to the historic Indian Gate to celebrate their leader's victory with the songs that they chanted during his fast for a stringent anti-graft law.
This time, the sense of outrage against corruption was replaced by a sense of elation.
Amid drum beats and fluttering national flags, thousands of cheerful supporters shouted slogans and danced till late in the evening.
Sitting near a signboard, 88-year-old K.P. Singh, a supporter, said: "This anti-corruption movement will herald a new era in the country. This is a movement of character and morals. And half of the battle is won."
"It is a sign of moral evolution in the country. The good days of the corrupt seem to be numbered," added another anti-corruption campaigner Prasad, who was happy to be a part of the "historical" celebration.
Those who had converged at India Gate included people from all walks of life and ages. From a six-year-old to elderly, everybody seemed in a mood to enjoy.
A private band, Sohan Lal and Sons, played patriotic numbers on which many broke into a jig.
"I always play from my heart but today it is special. This is for Annaji," said Mohammad Ayub, one of the band members.
It was not only the supporters who were happy but there was a sense of elation among the police personnel too.
"I am also a human being. I feel happy seeing the crowd and more than that I am happy for the war Annaji waged against corruption. I hope the image of police will improve if Jan Lokpal bill is passed," said a policeman.
With the end of Hazare's fast, some reporters also heaved a sigh of relief after hectic coverage of the agitation. "I want to hit the bed once the celebrations end," said a TV reporter.
'I Am Anna' caps, national flags swarm India Gate
As thousands thronged the India Gate area Sunday to celebrate Anna Hazare's victory, the Gandhi cap with 'I Am Anna' written on it appeared to be the winner with most people proudly wearing it and waving the national flag.
For those who did not have either of these were not disappointed as help was available readily with several vendors and face painters offering their goods and services for a price.
Don't miss the beat
The drums just did not fall silent during the celebrations at India Gate as people shook a leg to express joy over the end of Anna' fast. Some visitors were caught unawares by the anti-corruption campaigners' celebrations that began 6 p.m., but no one seemed to complain. Many even joined the revellers and danced to the drum beats.
New avenues
For many, the celebrations were another occasion to make some quick money before the excitement subsided. Vendors selling snacks and munchies made a quick buck on a busy Sunday, for which a few of them had donned Gandhi caps.
Police for Anna
It was not just the common people who were enthusiastic about wearing a Gandhi cap, some policemen, maintaining a vigil in the area, too, were equally excited when it came to getting themselves clicked in the cap - which became a symbol of the movement. Many policemen gave their official caps a rest for taking each others photographs with the 'I am Anna' caps.
Some disappointment
The celebrations also had a few moments of disappointment as some Anna supporters who came all the way to see the social activist had to return empty-handed.
The septuagenarian was in hospital when the evening sky at India Gate lit up with fireworks. A group of Hazare's supporters from his Ralegan-Siddhi village in Maharashtra complained that after remaining with him during the 12-day fast, they would now have to return without being able to see him.