Ralegan-Siddhi (Maharashtra), Dec 18 

Several thousand supporters of fasting social activist Anna Hazare lustily cheered here as the Lok Sabha passed the much-anticipated Lokpal bill Wednesday.

As soon as the news flashed on TV screens, there were screams of joy and merriment in the gathering and a frail Hazare gathered strength to stand up on the dias.

"Jai Hind, Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata ki Jai," he cheered on the microphone, acknowledging the greetings and happiness of the people gathered there.

Many people broke into nationalist and devotional songs as Hazare continued his indefinite hunger strike to press for the Lokpal bill.

Hazare launched the hunger strike vowing to continue it till the bill was passed during the current winter session of parliament and made a law.

It is not clear when Hazare will break his fast now that his nearly three-year-long agitation for the bill has finally succeeded.