Like every year, this year too, the Hindu festival of Diwali was celebrated across the world, the pictures and videos of which went viral on social media.
This time, it has been claimed to celebrate Diwali in Saudi Arabia, the videos of which are circulating on various social media platforms.
The video’s caption claimed that this time Saudi Arabia also displayed fireworks on the occasion of Diwali, which lit up the sky. The video shows men and burqa-clad women viewing the exhibition. And it was claimed that the said video is from Saudi Arabia.
Sharing the video on social media platform X, a user captioned it as ‘Diwali celebration in Saudi Arabia’, the Arab world is emerging from darkness and embracing light.
Fact check revealed that the said video is old and the Jash shown in it is not related to Diwali.
Also, have there been any recent fireworks displays in Saudi Arabia? We learned that there was a fireworks display for Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2030 in November 2023 in the capital city of Riyadh.
However, according to the details and claims provided in some places about the video, it is a video to celebrate the National Day of Saudi Arabia, but the exact date of the video could not be confirmed, but it is clear that it is Diwali this year in Saudi Arabia. It has nothing to do with events.
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**Interview with Cultural Commentator, Aisha Khan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Aisha. There seems to be quite a stir around the recent video purportedly showing Diwali celebrations in Saudi Arabia. When you first came across this video, what were your thoughts?
**Aisha Khan:** Thank you for having me. Initially, I found it fascinating how cultures can collide, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia where religious and cultural practices can be quite different from those in India. However, my curiosity led me to dig deeper, and I was surprised to learn that the video is not related to Diwali at all.
**Editor:** What do you think about the implications of such videos going viral? How does misinformation like this affect public perception, especially in the context of cultural celebrations?
**Aisha Khan:** Misinformation can have significant repercussions. When a video like this circulates, it creates a narrative that might not only mislead people about cultural practices but also shape perceptions about how societies embrace diversity. It’s important to remember that while Saudi Arabia has seen some modernization, misrepresenting events may lead to stereotypes or misconceptions about what actually occurs there.
**Editor:** It’s certainly concerning. Speaking of cultural narratives, what do you think the audience’s reaction would be upon realizing that the fireworks were not associated with Diwali celebrations?
**Aisha Khan:** I think it could spark a broader debate. Some might feel disappointed, as it reflects a longing for cross-cultural celebrations and acceptance. Others might argue about the importance of accuracy in sharing cultural events. It raises questions on whether such misrepresentations dilute the significance of actual celebrations in their respective cultures or if they open the door for discussions on cultural integration.
**Editor:** Lastly, with the rise of social media, how can we promote responsible sharing of content to prevent such misinformation?
**Aisha Khan:** Education is key. Encouraging audiences to verify facts before sharing, highlighting the importance of context, and promoting media literacy can empower people. Additionally, platforms themselves should take more responsibility in flagging potentially misleading content. Conversations around these topics will only grow in importance as our world becomes more interconnected.
**Editor:** Thank you, Aisha. You’ve given us a lot to think about regarding cultural representations and the impact of misinformation.
