New Delhi: As the clock hit 9, lakhs of Indian households across the country heeded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to to light 'diyas' (earthen lamps) or candles or even flash flights in their balconies or outside their main gate, as a mark of respect to the Corona Warriors - doctors, nurses, sanitation workers and police personnel who are braving it out on the front lines.

On Thursday, PM Modi has urged all countrymen to switch off their lights for 9 minutes at 9 pm on Sunday and asked them to light diyas, candles or use the flashlight of their mobile phones as a sign of solidarity to combat the novel Coronavirus.

Residents of almost 29 states of the country came out to light up diyas, candles and even flash lights of their mobile phones expressing India's resolve to collectively fight COVID-19 in a symbolic gesture of solidarity following the prime minister's call.

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Millions of people in Gujarat switched off the lights at their homes and lit candles, diyas or turned on mobile phone torches for nine minutes starting 9 pm on Sunday.

However, there were also reports of firecrackers being burst and conch shells blown to express a collective resolve to shatter the gloom created by the pandemic.

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For nine minutes the soft glow of diyas, the mixed sound of firecrackers and the cheerful cries of little children reminded one of Diwali celebrations

PM Modi appeals to the citizens of the country, "At that time, if you have turned off all the lights of your homes, and each one of us in all directions has lit a diya, we will experience the superpower of light, clearly illuminating the common purpose we are all fighting for".

"From time to time we recognise the strength of 1.3 billion people and that gives us strength in this fight against Coronavirus. We have to take those who are the most affected by this crisis the poor, the weaker sections towards hope and light".


On 24 March, PM Modi ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, thereby, limiting the movement of the entire country to contain the spread of COVIS-19 infection.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of social distancing, and said that health is the only way to happiness in the world. “Aarogyam param bhagyam, swasthyam sarwaarth sadhanam, that is good health is the greatest fortune,”.

However, PM Modi’s appeal caused concerns that the blackout can lead to grid collapse in the country but the Ministry of Power on Saturday dismissed the reports saying that adequate measures have been taken to handle the variation in demand and there is “no need to worry”.


It further said that there is no call to switch off street lights, computers or appliances such as TV sets, fans, refrigerators and air-conditioners in the homes during the blackout.

The number of confirmed Coronavirus positive (COVID-19) cases in India crossed 3,577 on Sunday with reported 83 deaths, the government data said on Saturday. As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 274 people have been cured of the disease and discharged.