Mohandas Gandhi, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, called for a nationwide day of prayer and fasting following the tragic events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. On April 13, 1919, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of Indians in Amritsar, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. This massacre not only highlighted the brutality of British rule but also galvanized public sentiment against colonial oppression. In the face of such violence, Gandhi sought to channel the outrage through a collective act of nonviolent resistance. He proposed that Indians across the nation observe this day as a moment of reflection and mourning, urging them to internalize the struggle for freedom and justice. Gandhi's approach emphasized the importance of peaceful protest as a means of enacting change, setting a tone for the movement going forward.

The prayer and fasting initiative saw participation from diverse segments of Indian society, unifying individuals in their grief while standing against colonial authorities. The response from the British government was one of increased oppression, including public unrest and agitation against colonial rule. Nonetheless, Gandhi’s call for prayer served as a critical turning point in Indian politics, as it introduced nonviolent strategies that would become central to the national independence effort in subsequent years. It was an appeal not just to resist physically, but to cultivate a moral and spiritual foundation for the ongoing struggle for independence from British rule.