All except Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. She probably chose to stay away after The Green Circle, an environmental group decided to go ahead with their protest against what they term the `violation of Lodhi Gardens' by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

Members of The Green Circle, self-appointed custodians of the park, were among the first to arrive and strategically positioned themselves near the entrance, so that every passerby would be compelled to notice them.

The silent protestors, refused to answer questions and directed all queries to the small posters they were carrying. The silent protest, however, turned into a slanging match between the audience and the protestors by the end of the concert.

But when the concert started, there were few who actually stopped on their way in to read the protest posters. Barring a few curious onlookers, most rushed towards the makeshift stage to listen to the two vocalists, who excel in the traditions of the `Benaras gharana'. While most sat down on the durries, some chose to stand in the shade under the trees. Still others positioned their wheelchairs near the stage or pulled open their folding chairs or chose the benches.

It was probably not the most disciplined audience, as many of them could be seen chatting, wandering around or reading the morning papers, but it was definitely an appreciative audience. One could see the occasional music buff explaining the `raga' to his companion or quietly adjusting his walkman near the speakers to record the concert. In fact, so bewitching were the melodies, that half-way through the concert many of the protestors deserted the ranks and quietly joined in.

And when it ended, many among the audience made it a point to seek out NDMC officials from the crowd and thanked them for the show. The protestors, however, continued to be outraged and despite their plea of being on a silent protest, many from the audience demanded to know the reason behind the protest.

And what followed was an intense verbal duel between members of the audience and the protestors. An obviously irritated man from the audience told the protestors they were just ``publicity-mongers''. ``There's nothing wrong with having a classical music concert here. And tomorrow even if we decide to have a Daler Mehendi show here, what's your problem? This is a public place after all and not your front lawn. If you really want to do something, then start a campaign against all those who come here and litter the place, that would be a worthwhile thing to do.'' -- a view echoed by most of the audience.

``A cultural spark has been lit and we just hope this is carried forward. This kind of thing gives culture to Delhi,'' said another man. And there were, however, those who felt that both NDMC and the protestors had a point of view and both should be listened to before any conclusion is reached.

Members of The Green Circle, on the other hand, described their protest as a success and said that because of their campaign, the Chief Minister had not come and the venue was shifted at the last minute to the park away from the Bara Gumbad. They said they would carry on with the protest.