Authors
Vijayalakshmi leads our Tamil team. She’s worked in the media industry for more than eight years. This includes her work as a senior correspondent for Times Now before joining Newschecker. She turned to fact-checking to create awareness around misinformation through her writing.
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Video shows recent Diwali celebrations in Saudi Arabia.
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Also Read: Diwali Celebrations In Dubai? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Video
Fact
A reverse image search on the keyframes of the viral video led us to a YouTube post by @WPid, dated September 23, 2024. It featured the same video with the title “Happy 94th Saudi National Day.”
Another YouTube channel had also posted the same clip in September, 2024.
We also found an Instagram post by @kapil___ahmed, dated August 22, 2024, carrying the same video that is being shared to show Diwali celebrations in Saudi Arabia. A similar video of fireworks was also shared on YouTube in February this year.
Also Read: Diwali Celebrations In Nagaland? No, Viral Video Of Firecrackers Is From Argentina
We were not independently able to ascertain other details about the video. However, it is at least 2-month-old, and has been shared out of context.
Conclusion: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By @WPid, Dated September 23, 2024
Instagram Post By @kapil___ahmed, Dated August 22, 2024
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates.
Authors
Vijayalakshmi leads our Tamil team. She’s worked in the media industry for more than eight years. This includes her work as a senior correspondent for Times Now before joining Newschecker. She turned to fact-checking to create awareness around misinformation through her writing.
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
