‘Fight Coronavirus Darkness With Light’: PM Modi Urges People To Light Candles, Diyas At 9 PM On 5 April

In his video message addressed to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Indians under lockdown to switch off all lights at home at 9 pm Sunday (5 April 5) for 9 minutes and light candles, diya or use the mobile’s flashlights to mark the national fight against the coronavirus outbreak, reports India Today.

He said that that people should show their collective resolve to fight this time of darkness by embracing light. He, however, directed people to maintain social distancing norms at all times.

“Many of you think what a single person can do? How will he/she be able to fight this battle? And how long will you spend your time under lockdown? We are at home, but not alone. We have the strength of 130 crore countrymen with us,” PM Modi said in his video message.

He further added, “I request you to switch off the lights of your home for nine minutes, at 9 pm on Sunday, April 5. Light a candle, diya (lamp) or mobile flashlight for those nine minutes to show your participation in this fight against the disease.”

Since emerging in China in December, COVID-19 has infected more than a million people -- including at least 500,000 in Europe -- and claimed more than 47,000 lives.