Janata Curfew: Citizens across India clang utensils, clap, ring bells to salute those fighting against coronavirus

As soon as the clock struck 5 PM on Sunday, lakhs of citizens across India came out to express their gratitude towards the healthcare professionals fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the country. All over the country, people were seen clanging utensils, ringing bells, and clapping to salute those fighting against the virus and doing their duties despite the 'Janata Curfew', like doctors, medical staff, paramedics, police, defence forces, and guards.

#WATCH Punjab: People come out on their balconies to clap, clang utensils and ring bells to express their gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic. Visuals from Amritsar. pic.twitter.com/PUJgDlCBId

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020

#WATCH: People come out on their terraces and balconies to clap, clang utensils and ring bells to express their gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic. Visuals from Noida. pic.twitter.com/QkFPCEKv6I

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2020

#WATCH: People come out on their balconies to clap, clang utensils and ring bells to express their gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/dIzBYF5ELq

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020

Several politicos, cutting across party lines, also participated in observing it.

#WATCH Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath participates in the exercise called by PM Modi to express gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/hEokJqwDrV

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020

#WATCH Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath clangs bell in Gorakhpur to express gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/6mnK29Xzqy

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2020

#WATCH Maharashtra: NCP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter and MP Supriya Sule, along with others, participate in the exercise called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/9KtPLWdNCM

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020

#WATCH Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claps and clags a plate to express gratitude to those providing essential services amid #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/pBDxNTxrhW

— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on Thursday, had appealed people to observe Janta curfew from 7 AM to 9 pm on Sunday to avoid the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Modi had urged people to express their gratitude to doctors, nurses, paramedics, municipal staff, armed forces, etc. who are risking their lives to keep the nation healthy.

They were requested to clap their hands and bang utensils like plates and pans from their houses.

For several, the clapping started way before the 5 PM start time set by Modi. Many were seen clapping beyond the stipulated five minutes.

Modi had asked people to join from their doorsteps, balconies, and windows.

(With PTI inputs)