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In this archive story we are learning more about the 'Janta curfew' in the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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A curfew is an order specifying a time during which certain regulations apply and it typically it refers to the time when individuals are required to return to and stay in their houses or homes. Such an order may be issued by public authorities but also by the owner of a house to those living in the household. For instance the 'Janta curfew' was an effort to combat coronavirus spread, introduced by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in the wake of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India. |
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Janta curfew
The word 'Curfew' comes from the Old French phrase 'Couvre-feu', which means cover fire. It was later adopted into Middle English as 'Curfeu', which later became the modern 'Curfew'. Its original meaning refers to a law made by William The Conqueror that all lights and fires should be covered at the ringing of an 8 o'clock bell to prevent the spread of destructive fire within communities in timber buildings.
What is the 'Janta curfew'?
The 'Janta curfew' was a 14-hour curfew from seven in the morning to nine in the evening that was scheduled for March 22, 2020. Everyone except people of essential services such as police, medical services, media, home delivery professionals and firefighters were needed to take part in the curfew. |
Janta curfew in India
At 5 o'clock that day, all citizens in India were asked to stand in their doorways, balconies or windows and clap their hands or ring their bells in appreciation for the professionals delivering these essential services. People belonging to National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme were to enforce the curfew in the country. The Prime Minister also urged the youth to inform ten others about 'Janta curfew' and encourage everyone to observe the curfew.
"A curfew is an order specifying a time during which certain regulations apply and it typically it refers to the time when individuals are required to return to and stay in their houses or homes. Such an order may be issued by public authorities but also by the owner of a house to those living in the household"
Nationwide lockdown of India
Two days later, the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, limiting movement of the entire 1.3 billion population of India as a preventive measure against the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India. It was ordered after a fourteen-hour voluntary public curfew on March 22, followed by enforcement of a series of regulations in the country's COVID-19 affected regions. The lockdown was placed when the number of confirmed positive coronavirus cases in India was approximately 500. He said that the only solution to control the spread of coronavirus is breaking the cycle of transmission by social distancing. He also added that the lockdown will be enforced more strictly than the 'Janta curfew'.
On the first day of the lockdown, nearly all services and factories were suspended. People were hurrying to stock essentials in some parts. Arrests across the states were made for violating norms of lockdown such as venturing out for no emergency, opening businesses and home quarantine violations and the government held meetings with e-commerce websites and vendors to ensure a seamless supply of essential goods across the nation during the lockdown period. Several states in India announced relief funds for the poor and affected people while the central government was finalising a stimulus package.
Two weeks later, reports said that the state governments and other advisory committees recommended extending the lockdown and the lockdown restricts people from stepping out of their homes. All transport services – road, air and rail were suspended with exceptions for transportation of essential goods, fire, police and emergency services. Educational institutions, industrial establishments and hospitality services were also suspended. Services such as food shops, banks and ATMs, petrol pumps, other essentials and their manufacturing are exempted. The Home Ministry said the anyone who fails to follow the restrictions can face up to a year in jail.
See this video from Mumbai on the lockdown made by Hindustan Times.
First case of coronavirus in India
The government of India confirmed that India's first confirmed case of novel coronavirus disease 2019 on January 30, 2020 in Thrissur district in the state of Kerala, when a university student studying in Wuhan University in Wuhan traveled back to the state. In a statement, it has been said that the patient has tested positive for novel coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital.
"- The Janta curfew had a profound impact on people across India, bringing everyday life to a standstill and altering the nation's rhythm. Streets and highways, once bustling with activity, fell eerily silent, replaced by the resounding applause and clanging of utensils as people stood at their doorsteps to express gratitude to healthcare workers and other essential service providers", the Photographer says.
"- For many, the curfew was a chance to reflect on the gravity of the situation and the importance of social distancing. It brought families closer together as they spent quality time indoors, cooking meals, playing games and engaging in meaningful conversations. The absence of outside distractions allowed for a deeper appreciation of the simple joys of home and the importance of human connections. However, the curfew also presented challenges for certain segments of the population. For daily wage earners and those with informal jobs, the loss of income was a source of anxiety and concern. Additionally, the lack of access to essential services, particularly for those living in remote or marginalized areas, posed a significant hardship", the Photographer says again.
"- Despite these challenges, the Janta curfew was a resounding success, demonstrating India's ability to rise to the occasion in times of crisis. It instilled a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being, fostering a sense of unity among citizens from all walks of life. The curfew served as a dry run for the subsequent nationwide lockdown, which was imposed on March 25, 2020. The early success of the Janta curfew helped to prepare the country for a more extended period of social distancing, ultimately contributing to India's efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic so the Janta curfew was a defining moment in India's fight against COVID-19. It showcased the nation's spirit of unity, resilience and compassion, demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of a global crisis", the Photographer says again.
Read also: Colorful India
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India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of an Indian woman in Jaipur. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.
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