More than a billion people in India stayed home Sunday in response to the government call to observe a curfew to control the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The curfew will stay in force from 7 am to 9 pm - that a full 14 hours
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the curfew last week, telling citizens that it would be a test in order to assess the county's ability to fight the virus.
Mr Modi urged citizens to stay indoors from 07:00 (01:30 GMT) until 21:00 on Sunday.
India has so far recorded 315 cases.
Mr Modi told his followers on Twitter: "Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against Covid-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come."
Transport across the country has been affected by the curfew, according to NDTV. No long-distance or suburban trains are running; however, those already running before the curfew will not be stopped.
Images from various cities in India show roads and towns mainly empty.
In Delhi, all shops were closed apart from those selling essentials, and pharmacies. Religious places cancelled activities as part of the curfew.
Mr Modi has asked people at 17:00 on Sunday to stand at balconies or near windows and clap or ring bells to show their appreciation for medical professionals and sanitation workers.
(BBC / picture by Getty Images)
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