Hartal is a word commonly used in South Asian countries such as India and Bangladesh to describe a form of protest where people refuse to work or open businesses to show their dissatisfaction with a particular issue. The spelling of the word is derived from Hindi and Urdu languages, and is spelled as /həˈtɑːl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The letter 'h' is pronounced with a silent breath, while the letter 't' is pronounced with a soft palate. The accent falls on the second syllable.
Hartal is a term that originated in South Asia, particularly in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It refers to a method of peaceful protest or strike where people voluntarily abstain from work, business activities, and other daily routines as a means of demonstrating their noncompliance or dissatisfaction with a particular issue or situation. It is usually implemented by a collective or a community, often with the aim of influencing or pressuring the government or relevant authorities to address their grievances or demands.
During a hartal, individuals may refrain from attending schools, colleges, and offices; shops and markets may remain closed; public transportation might be halted; and various other activities may come to a halt, causing disruptions in daily life. The purpose of a hartal is to create a visible impact on society and the economy, sending a powerful message to those in power about the importance and urgency of the issues being protested.
Hartals are typically organized by political or social organizations, trade unions, or community groups. It is considered a democratic and nonviolent form of expressing dissent and exerting pressure on decision-makers or governments. The word "hartal" is derived from the Arabic term "harthal," meaning the act of taking a break or stopping work. It has become an integral part of the political and social landscape in South Asia, often used as a tool of civil disobedience to draw attention to various social, economic, or political grievances.
The word "hartal" originates from the Arabic language. It comes from the Arabic word "haraṭa", which means "to stop" or "to abstain". It has been adopted into several languages in South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, where it refers to a form of protest or strike involving a voluntary shutdown of businesses, public transportation, and other activities as a means of expressing dissent or highlighting a particular issue.