Agra, Aug 25 : Thousands took to the streets in this Taj Mahal city Thursday in solidarity with the fasting Anna Hazare and his call for a strong anti-corruption legislation.

Market associations called for a shutdown while thousands marched on Mahatma Gandhi Road, the city's lifeline.

Demonstrations were also held at road crossings. Some people observed fast at parks.

Since morning, people began assembling at the Agra College playground. Within hours, thousands were shouting slogans hailing Anna.

Shopkeepers kept their shutters down for most part of the day to join the march.

Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, students and others turned up for the rally. One factory owner turned up with all his work force after declaring a holiday in his establishment.

The Shahid Smarak continues to be the nucleus of protests. Smaller rallies from neighbourhoods joined the main rally.

District authorities deployed additional forces to keep traffic running. Some people had tried to stop the Shatabdi Express on Wednesday.

One woman said that women who had never dared to venture out of their homes were on the streets, singing songs and shouting slogans.

"We are proud to be part of the movement that will correct the distortions in our society," said slogan shouting teenager Niyati Sharma.

The protesters came out with creative songs as well as posters and banners with catchy slogans.

"The most amazing aspect of this agitation is its commitment to peace and non-violence," a police officer told IANS.

"The volunteers seem fired by a strange passion we have not witnessed in recent history," the official added.(IANS)