Fact Check: Viral video showing fireworks and celebrations is not related to Holi in India
Holi is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with colours,
Claim :
Viral video shows visuals of Holi celebrations in IndiaFact :
Viral video is not related to Holi festival in India
Holi is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with colours, sweets, music and dance. The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Phalgun month in the Hindu calendar. Every year, Holi is celebrated with great excitement. Children, adults, and elders all take part in the fun. The air is filled with the scent of sweets, the sound of cheerful songs, and the sight of bright colors everywhere. People visit their friends and family, apply colors to each other, and enjoy delicious food. It is a day when worries fade away, and smiles take over.
Meanwhile, a video showing bursting of huge fireworks which can be seen emitting fountains of different colours is going viral on the social media with the claim that it shows Holi celebrations in India.
Here is the archive link of the claim.
Fact check:
The claim is False. The video is not related to Holi festival celebrated in India. When we extracted keyframes from the viral video and searched using reverse image search, we found that the video was online since February 2025.
Some social media users have shared the same video with the captions like “China gets it done!! The 16th day of the first lunar month. This date follows the Lantern Festival on February 12, 2025, which marks the culmination of the Chinese New Year celebrations. While the 16th day is not a major national festival, it holds cultural significance in certain regions and communities across China.” This video was posted on Facebook on February 19, 2025.
The viral video was shared on YouTube also on February 17, 2025 with the caption “The sixteenth day of the first lunar month in China #treinding #fireworks #video”
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most cherished and vibrant cultural celebrations across the globe. Deeply rooted in Chinese traditions, this festival is a time of joy, togetherness, and colorful festivities that last for several days. From dazzling parades and lion dances to heartfelt family reunions, it’s a celebration of new beginnings and cherished customs.
In 2025, Chinese New Year takes on a special significance as it ushers in the Year of the Snake—a symbol of wisdom, grace, and transformation in Chinese culture. Whether it’s the lively street performances, the shared feasts, or the symbolic rituals, every aspect of this festival holds deep meaning. Discover the key details of Chinese New Year 2025, its significance, and how it will be celebrated across the world with grandeur and spirit.
When is the Chinese New Year 2025?
Because Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, it occurs on a different date every year. Chinese New Year started on January 29th, 2025. This date marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The New Year occurs between January 21 and February 20th.
The date of Chinese New Year varies according to the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon's cycles in comparison to the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year. The Lantern Festival is held on the fifteenth day of the new lunar year.
How Long is the Chinese New Year 2025?
The Chinese New Year 2025 began on January 29 and will last until February 12th, 2026. While the holiday is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, the first 7 days are the official public holiday period, from January 29 to February 4. Families get together around this time to celebrate with a variety of traditions, including feasts, reunions, and exchanging red envelopes for good fortune. The celebration’s last days are devoted to paying respect to ancestors and seeking blessings for the coming year.
The Animal of the Year: The Snake (2025)
Each Chinese New Year is linked with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. After the Year of the Dragon (2024), the Year of the Snake began in 2025. The Chinese zodiac has assigned an animal to each year and this cycle runs for 12 years. The sixth animal in this cycle, the snake represents qualities like grace, intelligence, and intuition.
People who were born in the Year of the Snake are frequently thought to have traits like intelligence, grace, and sensitivity. They are also regarded as independent and capable of overcoming obstacles if they are determined.
China: Firecrackers and Folklore
In China, locals and tourists alike celebrate the Lunar New Year by setting off fireworks, a tradition rooted in ancient folklore. According to legend, these loud noises ward off evil spirits, particularly the mythical monster Nian, who is believed to terrorize villages at the start of the year. The use of red decorations, candles, and firecrackers is said to scare Nian away, and these customs continue today in temples and fireworks displays. However, some cities have imposed firework bans due to concerns over pollution and safety.
Though we are not able to confirm the place and date where the video is shot, we can confirm that the video is not from India and is not related to Holi. The claim is False.
