As the clock struck 9 at night on 5th April, Indians shut off the lights in their houses and lit up candles, earthen lamps, and torches in a symbolic gesture of solidarity to mark the nation’s fight against the coronavirus.
This was in response to the appeal made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who urged Indians to display the nation’s collective resolve in combating the virus by lighting lamps for 9 minutes at 9pm on 5th April 2020. He had also urged people to practice social distancing while doing so.
In a great show of unity, people from across the length and breadth of the vast country followed the Prime Minister’s call, bringing about a collective feeling of hope and happiness in these times of distress. At many places, various devotional and patriotic songs were also played.
Various celebrities, including actors, actresses, and sportspersons lit lamps themselves and urged others to follow suit to fight the darkness of the coronavirus.
Soon enough, #LightsOfHope and #9pm9minutes was trending on social media, with people putting up photos of them lighting their houses with the brightness of earthen lamps and candles.
शुभं करोति कल्याणमारोग्यं धनसंपदा ।
शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥ pic.twitter.com/4DeiMsCN11— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2020
Pictures coming from #Delhi
Showing how people came together in solidarity in its fight against #COVID19 pandemic.
We’re all in this together and together we are stronger.#9pm9minutes #9बजे9मिनट pic.twitter.com/kwPki8QQHc
— PIB India 🇮🇳 #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) April 5, 2020
One of the most famous temples in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple was also lit up in resplendent earthen lamps.
Siddhivinayak Temple lights up following PM @narendramodi's call#9pm9minute #LightForIndia pic.twitter.com/xRr2zTlQgK
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) April 5, 2020
🪔💜✨ pic.twitter.com/WF0oMpQx99
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) April 5, 2020
Team India, we cant get this prescription wrong. Our life depends on winning this test match.
Show your solidarity, join us in “The Great Team India Huddle” today 5th April 9pm for 9min.
Light to Fight.
Are you with me?@narendramodi
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 5, 2020
This initiative came a few days after the Prime Minister had asked Indians to come out to their balconies on 22nd March at 5pm and show their gratitude and respect to health and essential service providers by clapping and ringing bells and conches.
Isn’t this a wonderful gesture of solidarity that inspired unity and strength? Do let us know your views in the comments section below.
