Dhol-Tashas, Flying Scarves, and Roars of Triumph: Mumbai Protest Turns Into Celebration

Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, which had been echoing with chants of determination and long days of struggle, turned into a sea of celebration as protesters erupted in joy after securing their demand for reservation.

The transformation was immediate and electrifying. What began as a determined sit-in protest suddenly shifted into a festival of victory. As the announcement came through, dhol-tashas—traditional Maharashtrian drums—were brought out, their beats thundering across the ground. Protesters, once sitting solemnly in the scorching heat, now stood, dancing with unrestrained energy.

Scarves were flung into the sky, filling the air with streaks of color, while shouts of “Jinklo re!”—“We have won!”—rolled through the crowd. The leader of the agitation was lifted up in chants, his name echoing alongside the drums, giving the gathering the feel of both a political rally and a cultural festival.

From Hardship to Homecoming

For days, men and women had left behind the comfort of their homes, camping in the heart of Mumbai. They endured sleepless nights on bare ground, relied on sparse meals, and braved unpredictable weather. Yet, in the moment of victory, those hardships dissolved into insignificance.

Many compared the ordeal to the hard labor they regularly faced in their own villages. “Sleeping on the streets here is nothing compared to the days we’ve worked under the blazing sun back home,” said one protester, his face lit with both relief and pride.

Now, as they prepared to return, their minds were already on the celebrations awaiting them in their hometowns. Villagers, they said, were ready with garlands, food, and their own sets of drums. “We’ll be welcomed like heroes,” another protester shared, his eyes brimming with anticipation.

Culture at the Heart of Protest

The use of dhol-tasha was no accident. Rooted deeply in Maharashtrian identity, these instruments symbolize energy, unity, and tradition. By bringing them into the protest ground, the demonstrators didn’t just mark their victory—they tied their success to their cultural roots.

As the beats grew louder, women joined the dances, children waved flags, and elders clapped in rhythm. The celebration blurred the lines between political struggle and cultural pride. The sound was less of protest and more of a collective heartbeat, reminding everyone present that this wasn’t just about reservation—it was about recognition, dignity, and belonging.

A Message Beyond the Maidan

The celebration in Mumbai carried a message that stretched far beyond the city limits. It wasn’t only about one community’s success—it reflected the strength of unity, resilience, and cultural identity. The sight of scarves soaring into the sky, the chorus of victory cries, and the sound of synchronized drums painted a vivid picture of how collective determination can lead to triumph.

In a city often defined by its relentless pace, Azad Maidan stood still that evening—taken over not by traffic or politics, but by the human spirit of celebration after struggle.