A little boy dressed as a Maratha participates in the rally which began at 11 am on Wednesday. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Participants at the rally form a human chain. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Protesting Marathas converged at Churchgate station before making their way to the rally. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

The Marathas unfurl a flag ahead of the rally outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

The rally is the biggest one that the Marathas have organised, with some predicting that over 2 lakh will participate in it. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

The Marathas are expected to take over the city on Wednesday Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Men get temporary tattoos of 'Maratha' inked on them to display their loyalties. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Go, Marathas! Supporters prepare for the rally, scheduled for Wednesday. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Children of farmers who have committed suicides in the past also participated in the rally. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com