People across UP respond to Modi's call to express solidarity in fight against COVID-19

With lakhs of people lighting lamps in their balconies and roofs on Sunday night to honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to express their solidarity in the nation's fight against coronavirus, Diwali seemed to have arrived months earlier in the city.

In some cities of the state like Bahraich, some people started lighting lamps and candles before the clock even struck 9.

Some people in the state capital blew conch shells and burst firecrackers on this occasion. The bursting of firecrackers continued at least till 9.15 pm.

In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Speaker of UP Legislative Assembly Hriday Narayan Dixit lit lamps at their official residences.

Adityanath lit lamps arranged in the shape of 'Om'. UP Governor Anandiben Patel also lit lamps at the Raj Bhavan here.

Both the Deputy Chief Ministers of UP, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, lit lamps along with their family members. UP Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi too lit an earthen lamp at his official residence in Lucknow.

In his message on this occasion, Adityanath said, "People from every section of the society have extended their support to the nationwide lockdown. This act also shows India's unity and its power in the world. I am of the view that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has shown unity, and this will bring good results. Corona will be defeated, India will win and the entire world will experience the collective strength of 130 crore population."