From 'Will cops detain us?' to 'Jai Hind': My first protest in Mumbai

Phorum Pandya

Going to a protest for the first time, the morning was spent in a state of nervous anticipation. Would the monsoon gods join in? Would trains and Metros be bursting at the seams? Would roads be jammed? And, with prohibitory orders in place, would there be detentions?

Texts flew across groups: "Folks, whoever is joining, pls don't make it obvious where you're going. Cops will detain. Carry umbrella, cap. Face recognition is being used to identify and prosecute."

When did attending a peaceful protest begin to feel like preparing for a crime?

As it turned out, Aaditya Thackeray's Tiranga Rally was organised to remain peaceful and detention-free. Trains and Metros ran on time, and traffic around Dadar kept moving.

Around Shivaji Park, familiar eateries - Aaswad, Baskin Robbins, Mad Over Donuts and Tea Post - became meeting points.

"We'll get the power from vada pav and chai," a friend joked as we settled into Aaswad Upahar & Mithai Gruh. Protesters in caps and backpacks were easy to spot among regular patrons.

By 4 pm, we turned into Keluskar Marg, where police vans were stationed and personnel stood guard. Beyond them, the atmosphere resembled a block party. Youngsters arrived armed with quirky posters and Tricolours, walking energetically but peacefully towards Shivaji Park.

"The crowd is not as bad as the local trains at peak hour," someone quipped.

Speakers blasted patriotic songs familiar from Instagram reels, while a giant screen had been set up for those watching from the periphery.

Some of the placards at the protest. Pics/Phorum Pandya

Aaditya Thackeray kept his promise. "No political speeches. There are many of you who don't vote for us. Today, we are here to protect you and ensure no one interrupts your protest," he said amid chants of "Vande Mataram", "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Inquilab Zindabad".

Also striking was the camaraderie between Thackeray and his cousin Amit Thackeray, son of Raj Thackeray, who addressed protesters in Marathi and extended his support. Sonam Wangchuk was thanked for breaking his fast, while demands for Dharmendra Pradhan to step down were loud and clear. Tushar Gandhi and Makarand Deshpande were also present.

Mumbai humour was everywhere. Placards read: "Melody Khaao, Humara Future Nahi!", "My Back Hurts But My Spine Is Intact", "Jawaab Dena Job Description Mein Nahi Tha" and "Loot-us", accompanied by a drooping lotus.

Then, at 5 pm, the noise stopped

Thousands fell silent for the national anthem. As its final notes reverberated across Shivaji Park, the nervousness of the morning seemed a long way away.