It was a weary weekend for Mumbaikars who queued up outside ATMs and banks to withdraw cash or exchange their old notes for new. The queues snaked around buildings and wound round on pavements and roads. ATMs frequently ran out of notes and closed unexpectedly. In banks, employees were worn thin dealing with people. Outside, of course, tempers were frayed. People braved the heat and dust; they stayed without food and water for a couple of hours for notes.

The frustration and tension was palpable as Mumbaikars gave up the few leisure hours they had in the weekend to stand in bank queues. With no cash in wallets, there was no recreation and the streets were roiled with angry and tired people.