The 2009 Annual Gay Pride March was marked by this spirit of reconciliation. Bisexuals and transgenders had, in earlier years, felt marginalised by this movement. But this year, they were out in full strength. Kiran, 30, from the transgender community, was delighted. “We are one soul, one thought,” she said, “together, we are stronger.”

The march could not be dismissed as detached upper-class activism either — the participants came from the villages of Khanpur, Kapashera and Ashram and the elite neighbourhoods of Defence Colony and Jangpura.

Mohammad Akhtar, a tailor, had come all the way from Mumbai. A participant in pride rallies across the country, he has never seen such fervour. Lost for words, all he could say was, “Bahut accha lag raha hai.”

The gathering had also been enthused by reports that came in on Saturday that the government was considering repealing Section 377 of the IPC, decriminalising homosexuality. There was an air of optimism and the sense that, after years of hard work, victory was near.

Pulapre Balakrishnan, who has been part of the movement for 15 years, said: “The government’s reaction has been very positive. This has been long overdue.” Fashion designer Suneet Verma was ebullient. “Bravo to the new government and the sensitivity they have shown,” he said.

The most heartening aspect was the solidarity shown by people outside the gay community — placards with “Homo Hetero Bhai Bhai” could be seen in abundance.

Though exact figures were not available, almost 50 per cent of the gathering comprised heterosexual people. Kanta Advani, in her mid-60s, walked through the raucous crowd, holding her husband’s hand. “I’m here in support of freedom,” she said.

The march began at 5.30 pm from Barakhamba Road and continued for over two hours to culminate at Jantar Mantar. Balloons soared, whistles rent the air and people danced to the beat of Asha Band. The crowd chanted, “Hum Dilli lene aaye hain, hum Dilli lekar jayenge.” By the time the march dispersed, nobody was left in any doubt that the mission was accomplished.