As the day progresses, the sea of Anna supporters sometimes contains entire families, including children and youngsters, friends and neighbours, united by a common cause. Usually, to serve the country and fight corruption or simply, stand by Anna, as he takes on the anti-graft fight. Many youngsters feel a personal connect with a 74-year-old man, fighting to give them, as they believe, a better tomorrow.
The focus is on the stage where Anna Hazare rests. As the day progresses, the concern grows for Anna bearing the brunt of yet another sweltering day, with lashings of heavy rain, without food. When he does speak, many listen, as though hanging on to every word.
Anna Hazare's call of Bharat Mata Ki Jai is greeted each time with a roar. Other members of Anna's inner circle, Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi, get rapt attention from the crowd, waiting to hear the latest on Anna's health.
On the sidelines of the fight against graft, food and water are available for the asking. Food is usually free and made by volunteers. Water is distributed in pouches and bananas are bought and distributed by the quintals to those taking a break, which the man on the stage never does.
Ramlila Maidan is also a sea for Anna paraphernalia. Anna topis to tees, every passionate protester has a message – I am Anna. They are indeed as they believe, Anna. As Anna Hazare has said several times when he addresses them, they are his strength.
With the Tricolour unfurled in abundance and the mass of Anna gear on display, sloganeering and passionate speeches keep the crowd on their feet as the day wears on.
Special days have a special impact on the crowd. No breaks here, not even a tempting three-day weekend can preempt the swell at the ground. In fact, it brings more people. Many more people. The only give-away that it is a festive day - children dressed as Krishna in the otherwise somber mood as an unrelenting 74-year-old fasts.
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