Celebrations begin at Jantar Mantar to mark Hazare's victory

It was a carnival like atmosphere at Jantar Mantar where hundreds of people early Saturday danced to drumbeats, shouted slogans and hugged each other to celebrate the victory of activist Anna Hazare who has been sitting on a hunger strike since April 5.

It was a carnival like atmosphere at Jantar Mantar where hundreds of people early Saturday danced to drumbeats, shouted slogans and hugged each other to celebrate the victory of activist Anna Hazare who has been sitting on a hunger strike since April 5.

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People of different age groups have been reaching Jantar Mantar, situated in the heart of the capital, to see Anna Hazare break his fast-unto-death at 10.30 a.m. Saturday. He will also address the nation.

The decision came after the government agreed to accept their demands on Lokpal Bill Friday.

There was a festive mood at the site as school children holding tricolour marched to Jantar Mantar and live bands performed on the dias.

Several people showered rose petals on the roads while preparations were on for a `havan' to be performed at the Jantar Mantar Saturday.

A large number of police personnel were deployed at the site to avoid any untoward incident.

"I have been coming here from last five days and today (Saturday) I am here to celebrate people's victory with Anna Hazare. I feel that Jantar Mantar is the holiest shrine in the country as people have come here to pray for the well being of the country," said Smita Garg, a school teacher.

The government and the civil society arrived at a consensus Friday night after four rounds of talks.

"I was constantly supporting the movement. Anna Hazare's successful agitation is the victory of democracy," said an ecstatic Sudersh Adhikaro, a shopkeeper.

Arun Bhoj, 32, a marketing executive, said: "I am very inspired by Gandhian principles as they are relevant even today. A sole man following Gandhian principles have made the Indian government bow... this is the power of democracy."

A human chain has been formed near the dias to prevent people from climbing onto the stage.

"Usually we have a tendency to crib that things are not fine like traffic woes, water shortage. Anna Hazare's success is an inspiration for all of us and we should learn a lesson from it," said Sunia Gambhir, 28, a homemaker.