Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi saluting the flag at the Old Secretariat (right) during the golden jubilee of India's Independence.

August 15: Mumbaikars who traditionally await Ganesh Chaturthi in mid-September to kick off the festival season began celebrations early this year. The 50th independence anniversary celebrations beginning on a subdued note reached a crescendo midnight and lasted throughout the day.

Fire crackers rent the air all night and groups of joyous youth roamed the city and suburbs sporting tri-colour flags and bandannas. Adding flavour to the day were teenagers shouting patriotic slogans waking up the neighbours.

At the Gateway of India, tourists mingled with South Mumbaiites to herald the anniversary. ``There was music and dancing here till 4 am. Indians and Arabs were all dancing and having a good time here,'' Aslam, a peanut vendor operating in the vicinity said.

For once, the city police decided not to impose the 12.30 am ban on music and dancing. ``We have been asked not to disturb the people celebrating independence day as long as there is no trouble,'' a policeman manning the chowky told Express Newsline

.Those keen on working out last night's effects thronged the numerous restaurants who offered discounts on their fare. Paging services in the city were kept busy as people paged their greetings to their friends across the city from midnight on.

The railways printing special tickets on the occasion with the official logo for the 50th independence jubilee. In addition, patriotic songs were played over the public address system at all railway stations. At a Goregaon BEST bus stop two ticket-checkers were heard saying `Jai Hind' to all passengers before asking them for their tickets.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.