Bandh

Bandh (Hindi: बंध, बंद, romanized: bandh, band, lit.'closing; shutting down') is a form of protest marked by disruption of public life used by political activists in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal. During a bandh, a political party or a community declare a general strike. For example, a Bharat bandh is a call for a bandh across India, and a bandh can also be called for an individual state or municipality.

The community or political party declaring a bandh expects the general public to stay at home and not report for work. Shopkeepers are expected to keep their shops closed, public services cease, and transport operators are expected to stay off the road. There have been instances when large cities have been brought to a standstill. Participation may also be enforced by adherents onto others in the form of demonstrations and patrols, the latter often willing to commit violence. Their use extends to militant groups, social movement organizations, and political parties across ideologies.

The distinction between a bandh and hartal is debated. Often used interchangeably, scholars like Roman Krtsch, Subrata K. Mitra, Jivanti Schöttli, and Siegfried Wolf embrace synonymity. Others argue the difference lies in coercion unique to bandhs, whilst Ritty Lukose posits bandhs are more coordinated and long-lasting.