"Terrorism has no religion. People should unite in the fight against terror," said Sandeep Mishra, an engineer at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

The protestors in Kolkatta observed a minute's silence in memory of the terror victims. People thronged the rally venues largely due to the viral SMS phenomenon started as a small peace initiative by two survivors.

Protestors lashed out at the system reflecting their perceived apathy against politicians and asked authorities to take action and guarantee people security instead of providing mere ‘lip service’.

Women and children lit candles and bowed their heads in prayer at several venues.

In Bangalore, some banners demanded war against Pakistan as rallyists showed a mix of compassion and rage while displaying their emotions. ‘Politicians, get out,’ read a banner in Hyderabad while another said ‘politicians should take responsibility.’

At the Gateway, a sea of humanity gathered and the national anthem was sung as tears streamed down the face of several people with anxiety and anguish writ large on their faces. Strains of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ also rent the air triggering patriotic fervour.

A group passed around armbands asking people to wear it and keep it till ‘we get results’.

Kakkar implored people to stop paying bribes ‘if we have to make a new start.’

Rallyists condemned leaders for laxity against terrorism as they kept spontaneous vigils and converted anger into call for ‘change.’ Text messages by the dozen called for Mumbaikars to ‘tell the leaders and politicians that we want our safety.’

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