Thousands flocked markets across India in celebration of a New Year festival on March 25, defying the country's COVID-19 lockdown.

This footage filmed in Hassan, southern India, shows locals purchasing goods from stores set up on a street during the Udadhi festival. A lone police officer is seen demanding the vendors to go away.

A senior officer then makes an announcement using a police vehicle's speaker system saying: "I will give 30 minutes for everyone to clear out. If not we will evict you all and shut down the market."

Thousands of people flocked markets in many parts of India to shop for a New Year festival defying an official lockdown in the wake of Corona virus scare.

A video from Hassan in Southern India shows people thronging the market to buy flowers, fruits and groceries to celebrate Ugadhi festival, which was celebrated on March 25 in many parts of the country.

Similar scenes repeated in other cities as well.

Hassan Police had shut down most shops in the market but were unable to stop the sales of flowers and fruits.

“Though police tried to evict the festival shoppers, the trade went on till afternoon,” said H. Santosh, a local resident.

“People do not realise the gravity of the situation,” he added.

The lone cop is asking people to go away - "everyone go." He is mostly talking to the vendors
2) In the last clip, a senior officer makes an annoucement - "I will give 30 minutes for everyone to clear out. If not we will evict you all and shut down the market."