In an address to the nation on March 19, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Indians to observe a “Janta Curfew” on Sunday, March 22, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. He also asked them to stand in doorways and on balconies at 5 p.m. and clap or ring bells for five minutes to salute health workers.
On the day, people in the Chandigarh area clapped and banged plates and pans with spoons, The Tribune reported. “For several enthusiasts, the clapping started way before 5 pm.”