On the occasion of Diwali, social media is flooded with videos and photos of various beautiful fireworks. Amidst this, a video of spectacular fireworks went viral on social media claiming it to be from the Diwali celebration in Saudi Sharing the video on Facebook, a user wrote, “Diwali celebration in Saudi Arabia”.
Facebook Link | Archived Link.
However, as we investigated, we came to know that the video predates this year’s Diwali. Here’s the fact check.
Fact Check
We started our investigation by taking some screenshots from the viral video and conducting a reverse image search. This led us to a YouTube channel where the viral video was uploaded on 23 September 2024. According to the description, the video is from the 94th Saudi National Day.
This makes it clear that the viral video is not related to this year’s Diwali celebrations.
It is worth mentioning that the Saudi National Day is celebrated on 23 September every year.
Moving forward, we found the same video uploaded on an Instagram handle on 27 August 2024, which predates the Saudi National Day, 2024.
On another Instagram handle, we found a video similar to the viral shot from a different angle. The video was uploaded on 22 July 2024.
The Instagram handle mentioned the location as Riyadh City Saudi Arabia.
Using relevant keywords, we learnt that every year fireworks for different occasions are conducted in the following places of Riyadh City.
1. Umm Ajlan Park: On Saudi National Day, the capital’s largest fireworks display takes place at Umm Ajlan Park.
2. Square area in Boulevard City: On the occasion of Eid, fireworks display takes place here.
Though we could not find the exact occasion or date of the viral video, it is confirmed that the viral video is not related to this year’s Diwali or Saudi National Day.
Conclusion
From our investigation, we can say that the claim is missing context. The video has no link to the recent Diwali festival.
Title:Old Video From Saudi Arabia Going Viral Linking To The Recent Diwali Festival.
Written By: Debanjana baishyaResult: Missing Context
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