A year ago, the Modi government had called for a 'Janta curfew' (people's curfew) that ultimately ushered in India's first coronavirus lockdown on March 24.
While addressing the nation ahead of the curfew on March 22, Narendra Modi had asked Indians to clang utensils on their balconies for five minutes at 5 pm to show the frontline workers battling Covid-19 some solidarity and appreciation.
However, many misinterpreted the Prime Minister's request, over-enthused by the activity during lockdown, and ended up on the streets in huge crowds, doing the exact opposite of what was expected of people at that point in the pandemic. Videos and photographs of people banging utensils on the roads and bursting crackers had then gone viral.
Some even used the 'thali bajao' (clang plates) opportunity to make comedy content.
I remember #JantaCurfew 2020 when the entire country gave me a standing ovation. pic.twitter.com/OjNyxTs48c
— Sahil Shah 🇮🇳 (@SahilBulla) March 22, 2021
Here is how Twitter reacted to the anniversary of the chaotic 'curfew'
Last year, this day. 12 ghante tak jivit rehne wala corona 14 ghante ke #jantacurfew mein short term memory loss ki wajah se mar gaya tha. Unprecedented celebrations ! pic.twitter.com/1ysNPvwWix
— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 🏹🚜 (@RoflGandhi_) March 22, 2021
Today we are celebrating our "National Circus Day" 🤡
— Mohd Waseem (@wasiiyc) March 22, 2021
Happy Anniversary "Thaali Bajao".
1year of #jantacurfew pic.twitter.com/Ot6XWScRwV
A Himchali Migrant protesting against Sonu Sood for not sending Kashmiri Pandits back to their native home.(2020) #JanataCurfewAnniversary #jantacurfew pic.twitter.com/FUsxarfyuk
— Press Trust Of Internal (@ParodyPTI) March 22, 2021
Today marks one-year to this historic road show.#JantaCurfew #lockdown #22Marchpic.twitter.com/6dsQpaXMA1
— Ritesh Mahato (@Ritesh_7l) March 22, 2021
Ram Ram 🙏
— Dan Singh Lodhi🇮🇳 (@DanSingh01) March 22, 2021
Good morning friend...
Happy Janta Curfew Day 🤣#jantacurfew
pic.twitter.com/86Hdf02s3e
Don't be 'blind-supporters' .
— BAJPAI,PANKAJ,IN🇮🇳 (@pankajbajp16) March 22, 2021
22ndmarch
The Legends of 2020.
The leaders of the nation .
How, they make fool the people 🙄
Listen #gocoronago chanting.#jantacurfew
But now
All these are under vaccination process.
#COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/Ix16XUe6OS