BENGALURU: The state on Sunday responded enthusiastically to the nineminute blackout call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underlining the fact that people’s spirits are undaunted by the virus outbreak and the shutdown it has entailed.
At the stroke of 9pm, the state plunged into darkness, while lamps and candles were lit on balconies and frontyards. Streetlights too were switched off and the blackout show was punctuated by cracker burgs and slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ in some pockets.
In Bengaluru, police had blocked main roads to keep motorists off streets. While, social distancing at many places were not followed while lighting lamps, it was maintained in others.
Chief minister BS Yedyiurappa later said people from all walks of life had expressed solidarity with PM Modi. “The Centre and states are doing their best to counter the spread of Covid-19, but public support is required to end the lockdown on April
14. We request people to maintain social distancing norms by not coming out of their houses,” he said.
Government authorities’ fears that a shutdown would lead to instability in the electricity grid proved unfounded as there were no reports of disruption.
In Mysuru, Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra, Avadhoota Datta Peetham seer Ganapathy Sachchidananda, bureaucrats, police and the general public lighted lamps. Police made elaborate arrangements to ensure people did not spill onto roads to celebrate.
Hubballi district responded overwhelmingly to the call by the PM, with people standing on balconies and terraces with diyas, candles, mobile flashlights. As soon as the nine minutes passed, people began sharing videos and pictures of lighted diyas. The fireworks continued long after the nine minutes were up.
In Mangaluru too, flats went dark and the glow of lamps lit up balconies. Many also used the time to pray as they sought divine assistance to overcome the crisis.
Entrepreneur Sumith Rao, who participated in the candle vigil, said, “I lit a lamp to express solidarity with the nation. If we show the same kind of unity which we have done in the crisis during other times too, our nation can really be a superpower.”
(With reports from bureaus in Mysuru, Mangaluru and Hubballi)
At the stroke of 9pm, the state plunged into darkness, while lamps and candles were lit on balconies and frontyards. Streetlights too were switched off and the blackout show was punctuated by cracker burgs and slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ in some pockets.
In Bengaluru, police had blocked main roads to keep motorists off streets. While, social distancing at many places were not followed while lighting lamps, it was maintained in others.
Chief minister BS Yedyiurappa later said people from all walks of life had expressed solidarity with PM Modi. “The Centre and states are doing their best to counter the spread of Covid-19, but public support is required to end the lockdown on April
14. We request people to maintain social distancing norms by not coming out of their houses,” he said.
Government authorities’ fears that a shutdown would lead to instability in the electricity grid proved unfounded as there were no reports of disruption.
In Mysuru, Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra, Avadhoota Datta Peetham seer Ganapathy Sachchidananda, bureaucrats, police and the general public lighted lamps. Police made elaborate arrangements to ensure people did not spill onto roads to celebrate.
Hubballi district responded overwhelmingly to the call by the PM, with people standing on balconies and terraces with diyas, candles, mobile flashlights. As soon as the nine minutes passed, people began sharing videos and pictures of lighted diyas. The fireworks continued long after the nine minutes were up.
In Mangaluru too, flats went dark and the glow of lamps lit up balconies. Many also used the time to pray as they sought divine assistance to overcome the crisis.
Entrepreneur Sumith Rao, who participated in the candle vigil, said, “I lit a lamp to express solidarity with the nation. If we show the same kind of unity which we have done in the crisis during other times too, our nation can really be a superpower.”
(With reports from bureaus in Mysuru, Mangaluru and Hubballi)
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