Thousands of Anna Hazare's supporters piled onto the streets, some perched on electric poles, traffic lights and parked cars, to catch a glimpse of the Gandhian as he moved to Ramlila grounds today to launch his fast after he emerged out of Tihar jail.
As the white dhoti-kurta-clad 73-year-old anti-corruption crusader stepped slowly out of the prison gate at about 11:30 AM, the air reverberated with the nationalistic slogans chanted by hundreds who had gathered since dawn to welcome the person spearheading a movement for a stronger Lok Pal Bill after he spend three nights at Asia's largest prison.
A smiling Hazare climbed on to a newly-erected podium and announced that the "second freedom struggle" has started, a statement which was greeted with a deafening roar from the assembled people which included women, senior citizens and even children.
"The fight against corruption will continue whether I am alive or not," he said, flanked by his aides, who it seems were soaking in the glory spawned by the huge support that Hazare had garnered.
After his short speech, he climbed on to a mini open-top truck which had wide cushions, mattress and a large olive-green umbrella and set in motion his procession to Mayapuri, a short distance from the jail.
The truck was forced to stop a few times as the crowds surged forward to throw flowered garlands up at Hazare.
Hazare's supporters accompanied him on cars, bikes and jeeps waving the national flag and playing loud patriotic songs even as heavy rains lashed the city. Many pulled out their mobile phones and clicked his pictures.
A seemingly satisfied Anna led the people in shouting 'Vande Mataram' and waved the tri-colour to his supporters, which included youths and school students.
People carried all kinds of banners but the most eye catching one was 'Main bhi Anna, Tu bhi Anna, Ab to Saara Desh Hai Anna' (You are Anna, I am Anna, now the entire country is Anna).
HAVE YOUR SAY: The government says says Anna Hazare's campaign is meddling with our parliamentary system. Click here to tell us whether or not you agree
