The Maha Kumbh Mela began on 13 January 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh attracting people from various places (here, here and here). Amid this, a viral video (here, here and here) shows a man performing an incredible fire show on the street, claiming it to be part of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Let’s uncover the truth behind this claim.
Claim: The video showing a massive solo fire performance is from Prayagraj as part of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
Fact: The video showing this fire pot performance is available on the internet since at least September 2024, months before the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The performance is part of an ancient Chinese tradition recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage, originating from Jiangxi Province. It has no connection to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Therefore, the claim is FALSE.
A closer examination of the viral video reveals a signboard in the background displaying a non-Indian language, which closely resembles Chinese. This suggests that the video may not have been recorded in India.
A keyframe image search on Google led us to a Chinese Facebook page named 马文 (Marvin), where the original version of the video was uploaded on 2 October 2024. The caption read: “Shocking fire pot performance, praise for Chinese intangible heritage! #Amazing #China #Culture.” Upon comparison, it became evident that the viral video is a mirrored version of this original clip.
In our keyframe analysis, we also found the same video shared on X by a handle named “The Viral Videos” on 24 September 2024. The caption highlighted the performance as “EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDOR OF CHINESE CULTURE!” and described the fire pot as an ancient marvel showcasing the craftsmanship, wisdom, and creativity of Chinese ancestors. Additionally, many Facebook users also shared this video, claiming it originates from China.
Further research revealed (here and here) that the fire pot performance, or Huohu, is an ancient Chinese tradition recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, originating from Jiangxi Province. Dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), it blends martial arts, acrobatics, and flame artistry. Performers, dressed in fireproof suits, shake glowing red-hot charcoal in iron nets, creating “blossoming sparks” that symbolise warding off evil spirits and bringing blessings of peace and safety. Initially performed during New Year celebrations, this art form has been passed down for over a thousand years, requiring years of practice despite the risk of injury. Today, it stands as a living connection to China’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, many similar videos can be found across various platforms (here, here and here), all identifying the performance as originating from China. Meanwhile, the Maha Kumbh Mela began on 13 January 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with numerous events taking place related to the festival (here, here and here). However, the viral video has no connection to the Kumbh Mela and is unrelated to any events in Prayagraj.
To sum up, an old & unrelated video of a fire pot performance from China was falsely shared as part of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
