The clanging sounds rang in the air across India as the clock struck five and people came out in balconies, lawns and terraces following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show solidarity and express gratitude to doctors, nurses and others involved in providing essential services, as the country observed an unprecedented 'Janta Curfew' to check the spread of the Coronavirus.
The clapping continued for several minutes.
People were seen clapping and clanging their utensils. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also rang the bell in Gorakhpur.
Minutes before 5 PM, PM Modi took two Twitter and reminded the people to come out on the balconies to express gratitude to the people working round the clock against COVID-19.
The nation is observing 'Janta Curfew' today after the Prime Minister on Thursday laid emphasis on individual 'determination' and "restraint through social distancing" in fighting the global pandemic and called for 'Janta Curfew' on March 22 to prepare for challenges of the future.
Following Prime Minister Modi's message, several famous personalities including politicians from various parties, sportsmen and celebrities have also come out in support of the social exercise.
The number of coronavirus positive patients in India rose to 341 on Sunday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Seven people have succumbed to the illness.
A total of 16,999 samples from 16,109 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 as of 10:00 am on March 22, as per ICMR data.
