MEERUT/NEW DELHI, 8 May 2007 — Celebrations began in India yesterday to mark the 150th anniversary of an armed revolt against British colonialists, a mutiny that sparked the first Indian war of independence before being crushed.

As a march from here to Delhi kick-started yesterday, Meerut witnessed moments of high passion with rally participants and the watching public singing patriotic songs.

The city was filled with banners and posters proclaiming India’s power, unity amid diversity. From Mangal Pandey to Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, from Bahadur Shah Zafar to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, all historical figures were joyously remembered.

Thousands of people took part in a colorful procession, retracing a march 150 years ago by dozens of mutinous Indian soldiers from this northern town in a bid to capture the capital Delhi.

From an act of defiance by a handful of Indian soldiers who refused to use rifle bullets said to be greased with beef and pork fat — considered unclean by Hindus and Muslims — the mutiny became a popular revolt against British occupation.

After initial reverses, British troops quelled the revolt in four months and exiled to then Burma the last Mogul Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar who had been proclaimed India’s ruler by the mutineers.

Yesterday’s marchers, dressed like Indian soldiers and British officers, staged mock fights with swords and muskets on top of colorful floats. About 10,000 young people from all over India walked alongside carrying huge banners and posters with messages referring to the revolt that left hundreds of British and Indians dead.

“The march has the same spirit as that of the freedom fighters of 1857 but Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence should not be forgotten,” said India’s Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, flagging off the procession.

The marchers will reach Delhi on Friday, exactly 150 years after the mutinous Indian soldiers stormed the walled city and attacked British officers and their families.

About two dozen ambulances drove alongside the marchers who ignored sweltering heat as they headed toward New Delhi, about 65 km away.