MUMBAI: As Sachin Tendulkar was hoisted onto the shoulders of celebrating India teammates, thousands of compatriots spilled onto Marine Drive next to Wankhede Stadium to join the country's biggest party in years.
The entire boulevard was a massive throng of screaming, flag-waving fans bursting with unconfined joy and relief at India's win in the World Cup final. Many stood on top of cars and trucks blaring their horns. Others danced to drumbeats. Still more chanted "India, India."
Traffic was at a standstill amid a mass of humanity as firecrackers echoed in the background.
Siraj Sawardekar traveled to Mumbai especially to join the party.
"This is the only day when the whole of India is together. It is like an independence day for us," said the 22-year-old I.T. worker. "We should try to make the most of such opportunities."
Nothing could ruin the occasion, not even the failure of India sports icon and Mumbai resident Tendulkar to record his 100th century at his home ground.
"I came with friends and plan to be here till the sun rises," said Gaurav Baid, 22, an engineer. "I am not bothered about individual performances or that Sachin could not get a century. Nothing is bigger than the team."
After a 28-year wait for a second World Cup title, the scenes in Mumbai were repeated across the cricket-obsessed nation that is the financial powerbase of the sport and now world champion in the one-day format.
In a country of 1.2 billion people, there'll be no bigger party.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi joined the crowd which flocked into the capital New Delhi, giving the v-for-victory sign to the crowd and waving the Indian flag.
In Chandigarh, near where India beat Pakistan in the semifinals on Wednesday, Yograj Singh said his son Yuvraj's performances for India - including four man-of-the-match awards - were life-changing.
"God bless you son, you have made the nation and a father proud," Yograj was quoted as saying. "It was my dream of 30 years to live for this moment."
Yuvraj, who was batting with Mahendra Singh Dhoni when his captain hit a giant six to seal a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, expected the celebrations to go on all night.
"This is unbelievable. This is the most special one for the whole of India, for Sachin, for the whole team," Yuvraj said. "It's just amazing. We batted like champions."
Prithviraj Chavan, chief minister of Maharashtra state which takes in Mumbai, said the long wait was worth it.
"This is an achievement that the country is proud of. Our boys in blue have done a stupendous job," Chavan said.
His deputy, Ajit Pawar, said it had given "immense satisfaction to millions."
"I am sure it will inspire everyone in the country," Pawar said.
India ground to a halt earlier Saturday when the vast majority of the population gathered around televisions to watch the match.
Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium was packed to capacity with 33,000 lucky ticket-holders for the final. The trains that rumbled past the ground were almost empty. Several people stood on roofs overlooking the pitch, craning to get a view of the action.
The tension of the high-stakes game was even evident at a chaotic coin toss. Match referee Jeff Crowe didn't hear the call before the coin landed and a re-throw was necessary. Sri Lanka eventually won it, no doubt causing a few hearts to flutter among India fans.
The Times of India summed up the mood with its front page headline "A Nation Holds Its Breath."
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