Going to a protest for the first time, the morning was spent in a state of nervous anticipation. Would the monsoon gods join in? Would trains and Metros be bursting at the seams? Would roads be jammed? And, with prohibitory orders in place, would there be detentions?

Texts flew across groups: “Folks, whoever is joining, pls don’t make it obvious where you’re going. Cops will detain. Carry umbrella, cap. Face recognition is being used to identify and prosecute.”