On the way to Singhu border, a portion of NH 24 passing over Delhi-Uttar Pradesh has been blocked and turned into a protest site by the farmers. They cook and serve langar on the highway.
Nihang Sikhs, a warrior clan of the community, are one of the main attractions of the protests. Dressed in their characteristic blue robes, they can be seen riding around the protest site on horseback or taking a stroll carrying their antiquated weapons.
'How would you shout slogans on an empty stomach', the farmers say. And they have come prepared such that no one goes around hungry. Langars serve food to everyone all round the day. Community kitchens have also sprung up
While community kitchens cater to smaller groups, langars at the protest site ensure that no one goes hungry. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snaks, tea, coffee, milk, dry fruits...you get all of them here.
For the protester at Ghazipur border, it's 'highway on my plate' kind of feeling. Food is prepared by the roadside and served right on the highway.
Thousands of protesters have been camping at the Singhu border for over a fortnight now, and the numbers are only rising. With more mouths to feed, more langars have come up.
Towards the evening, sloganeering takes a backseat. People return to their makeshift houses parked at the protest site. Gurubani is broadcast live through speakers as a sewadar recites it from the dais.
Petrol pumps along the highway have been turned into open-air resting grounds. People sleep here at night and wash themselves in the morning. The owners have no qualms.
Another cold December night comes to an end. ANother day of protest begins. Every portion of the robust tractor is used as a warm refuge at night. The Farmers prefer calling tractors their sons, always by their side.
A group of elderly jats from Haryana catch up on news during their early morning hukka session.
And tea shall be served to one and all. The protesters have a long day ahead.