Celebrations after days of protests as Hazare ends fast

New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) From Ramlila Maidan to Ralegan
Siddi-- Anna Hazare's village in India, celebrations at full
blast replaced days of protests as the Gandhian broke his fast
Sunday with his supporters marking "people's victory" with
dancing, waving of tri-colour and handing out of sweets and
flowers.
The festivities which began last night after Parliamnet
passed a resolution agreeing in-principle on Hazare's three
demands on Lokpal issue, reached a crescendo when the Gandhian
accepted a glass of coconut water from a Dalit and a Muslim
girl -- Simran and Ikrah -- at 10:20 AM, breaking his 288
hours of fast that began on August 16 .
As Hazare started his address at the Maidan in Delhi,
people who had started descending on the historic ground since
early this morning, jostled with each other to get a glimpse
of the 74-year-old.
"This is a triumph of people. It is a triumph of our
democracy. People have come out in large numbers as everybody
is affected by corruption," said Riti Borah, a 28-year-old
management professional.
Victory flags or 'Gudhi' were put up in almost every
house in Hazare's village in Maharashtra as people, who
assembled outside the Yadavbaba temple where he lives, said
they were eagerly waiting for their "hero" to return.
"We are also eagerly awaiting his return. He is our hero
and we want to give him a hero's welcome," said Hazare's close
aide Datta Awari.
Braving heavy rains, joyous people converged at the Azad
Maidan in Mumbai, many sporting the now ubiquitous 'Mein bhi
Anna (I am Anna)' Gandhi caps.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said those who have
taken to Naxalism and terrorism should learn from Hazare's
anti-corruption campaign as it has reinforced confidence in
the strength of non-violence which is "in the DNA of Indians".