By Renuka Dhakal

Kathmandu, Apr. 7: Nepali celebrities and many people in Kathmandu lit peace lamps Sunday evening although the government of Nepal had not made any call in this regard.
Indian Prime Minister Narenra Modi had called for the initiative at 9pm9 minute urging the Indian people to switch off electricity and light oil-fed lamps and candles. And Nepali people were also easily influenced by the call and did what Modi asked Indian nationals to do.
They lit oil-fed lamps as in the Tihar festival from the balcony of their houses to support the doctors, nurses and other unsung heroes, who have been continuously in the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus.
Praying for the quick redemption from frightening coronavirus, renowned comedian and director Deepa Shree Niruala lit candles saying “Go away coronavirus”.
Actress Anu Shah was also seen carrying a plateful of oil-fed lamps. She said that the luminous light was for the peace of the nation and the world.
With the religious verse of Lokah Samastah Shukhino Bhavantu (Let the entire world be happy, let the people of the world be happy), another actress Paramita RL Rana prayed for the peace of the world by lighting the Diyos at her home.
Likewise, actress of Gopi Barsha Raut also joined the campaign by lighting oil-fed lamps at her home and wrote, “To all those serving in these times of COVID–19, my prayers are with you all.”
She also prayed for those who are struggling to recover and those who have lost their lives due to coronavirus and hoped the pandemic would fade away soon.
Other celebrities, including beauty queen and TV presenter Subeksha Khadka, actress Nita Dhungana, actress Aditi Budathoki, actress and director Jharana Thapa and Shuhana Thapa and Barsha Siwakoti also lit the lamps for the peace of the world and for the people who are working in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for the people across India to light the lamps at the auspicious hours and the Nepali people as well as celebrities in Kathmandu also lit the lamps from 7 pm to 9 pm on Sunday.
In Mumbai, India, celebrities like Anuska Sharma, Birat Kohli, Deepika Padukone to Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif and others supported Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 9pm 9min initiative by switching off the electric light and lighting the Diyos and candles on their balcony.