Mumbai:
For young Mumbaikars, Monday was a day of fun. They turned the city roads and bylanes into temporary playgrounds. Crowds were spotted playing cricket and football matches in the middle of the road, and the rain gods helped by not playing spoilsport.
Places like Ghatkopar, Dadar, Matunga, Sion, Bandra and Andheri witnessed cricket matches played on the streets, with residents turning out as spectators. At some places, arrangements were made for refreshments for the playing teams.
"Roads in Dadar are always crowded. We don't want to miss this lucky break. We are playing box cricket as the roads are narrow. We are also using a soft cricket ball to avoid any breakage," said Rajesh Desai, a resident.
Mohammed Aslam, a businessman from Dadar said, "We have arranged for a cricket match today and it is great fun, as the roads are empty. Even the police have not objected to our playing and we are thankful to them."
When asked if they agreed with the bandh, residents had mixed reactions. Many college and school goers were happy to get a long weekend, while elders felt it was a waste. "A bandh is not a solution to tackle price rise issues. Politicians must find alternate ways like sitting on a hunger strike like noted social activist Anna Azare who fights for a cause without being a nuisance to the common man," said Aslam.
"It is only daily wage earners who get affected by such bandhs. The rich and political leaders are unaffected. Whatever they do in the name of the common man is a mere eye wash," said Advocate Lakshmi Ravindran from Navi Mumbai.