This viral video of a man performing tricks with fire is not from Prayagraj Mahakumbh

The viral video is of China’s fire pot performance

Mahakumbh Mela 2025 officially commenced on 13 January, 2025 continuing until 26 February, 2025 and will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The mela is held every 12 years and attracts millions of pilgrims, saints, and tourists who partake in spiritual practices such as ceremonial bathing at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. 

Against this backdrop, a video of a person performing tricks with fire on the road is going viral on social media. Users are sharing this video and claiming that this video is from Prayagraj Mahakumbh. 

In this video, a man can be seen performing fire feats while traveling with pots in his hands. The pots were attached to both ends of a long rod, which we could see him holding. He spins the stick carrying the pot up and down, creating amazing patterns with the fire. The video also includes infographics that say, “It is from Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh 2025.”

Let’s check the truth

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Fact Check- 

We started our investigation by conducting a reverse image search on Google and the results led us to a similar video uploaded on Twitter on 21 September 2024. The caption states, “EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDOR OF CHINESE CULTURE! The breathtaking Fire Pot has arrived! This ancient marvel showcases exquisite craftsmanship, wisdom, and creativity of our ancestors. Step into history and uncover the secrets of this timeless treasure!”.

Keeping this in mind, we conducted additional research and found the identical video that CGTN Europe had posted on YouTube on 21 July, 2024. The video’s title reads, “Stunning fire pot performance in Shangrao: A spectacle of sparks and cultural heritage.”

The description states, “Witness the magic of the Fire Pot performance in East China’s Shangrao, Jiangxi! This mesmerizing street art, a national-level intangible cultural heritage, dazzles with fiery sparks. This art has a cultural significance that symbolizes driving away disease and misfortune and bringing peace to all households.”

As per reports, Huohu (fire pot) is a cultural heritage of China. Dressed in fireproof suits, performers shake glowing red-hot charcoal inside iron nets, creating a breathtaking display of “blossoming sparks” that symbolize the desire to ward off evil and ensure peace for the community.

Based on these evidences, we can understand that the viral video is of China’s fire pot performance. It has been available on internet since July 2024, which makes it clear that it is not related to the Maha Kumbh Mela. 

Conclusion- 

Fact crescendo found the claim made along with the viral video to be False. The viral video is of China’s ‘fire pot performance’. Which is now being shared with a false claim linking it to Prayagraj Mahakumbh.