A viral video circulating on social media shows a procession reenacting the torture and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The video, which has sparked widespread criticism, was claimed to be from Punjab, with allegations targeting Punjabi communities for allegedly prioritizing performances over observing shaheedi week, a sacred time in Sikhism dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus.
Claim and backlash
The claim suggests that the Punjabi community is disrespecting their religious heritage by celebrating a Christian event instead of honoring their faith. Critics have accused the community of including in sacrilegious acts, leading to heated debates on social media platforms.
Fact check
Fact-checking reveals that the video is not from Punjab but from Jammu. The 45-second video making rounds on social media depicts a man dressed as Jesus walking along a road, carrying a cross while being stuck with a lash by two others. The video also shows additional individuals holding the cross and walking along the same road. Overlaid text on the video claims, “Punjab had fallen, the conversation is at its peak”
The video a been widely shared with the assertion that it was filmed in Punjab. An x user Mr. Sinha, who often shares his opinion on X, posted the video with the caption, ‘This is Punjab.’ The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 200,000 views, 400 comments, and 1,400 reposts. No sooner did the political blame game also become a part of it.
The narrative spread across multiple platforms, including YouTube and Instagram further fueling the misinformation. However, a fact-check by ‘Logically Facts’ revealed that the video was not from Punjab but from Jammu. The video captures a Good Friday procession organized by the Joint Churhes Fellowship in Jammu in March 2024.
This clarification highlights the dangers of misinformation, which can fuel unwarranted hostility and communal tensions.
Why did people believe the fact?
The video is not from Punjab, however, it does not negate the fact that multiple rallies and processions were held in Punjab around Christmas. These events saw members of the community dressed in festive costumes, enthusiastically celebrating the Christmas spirit. There were also rallies where men and women, adorned in Christmas-themed attire, were seen joyfully reveling in Christmas jingles.
Punjab’s rising Interest in Christian missionary activities may have significantly contributed to the widespread assumptions that the viral video originated in the state. According to a report by Sakshi Sharma in News18, Punjab has witnessed a notable surge in missionary conversion, with approximately 65,000 missionaries and 30,000 occupationally equipped volunteers actively engaged in campaigns. While the report highlights this growing trend, it also underscores deeper cultural and societal concerns that have made such assumptions about Punjab plausible to many.
The ease with which people believed that the video was from Punjab reflects a larger narrative about the region’s ongoing cultural crises and demographic shifts. Punjab, once synonymous with the valor of its guru and a rich heritage of resilience, is now seen by many as a state grappling with an identity crisis.
One major concern is the mass migration of Punjab’s youth abroad in search of better opportunities, leaving behind ghost villages where only the elderly remain. This exodus has led to a generational gap in preserving and passing down the stories of the Sikh Guru’s sacrifice and the region’s proud history. Consequently, younger generations are either uninformed or indifferent to their heritage.
Compounding this issue is the influence of Western culture. Many young Punjabis have embraced Western lifestyles, often at the expense of their traditions. During shaheedi week a time meant to honor the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus, it's not uncommon to see children dressed as Santa Claus instead of participating in events commemorating their history.
The role of missionary influence
In this context, the rise of missionary activities in Punjab becomes even more significant. missionaries, equipped with resources and a clear agenda, have found fertile ground in a state where traditional values are already under strain. While the freedom to explore faiths is an individual right, the increasing number of conversations is viewed by some as a challenge to the sikh and Punjabi identity.
A wake-up call for cultural revival
The viral video’s misattribution to Punjab serves as more than a fact-checking exercise it’s a wake-up call to the community. Punjab’s cultural identity is not just about its part but also its future.
The assumption that the viral video originated in Punjab speaks volumes about the challenges the state faces in preserving its heritage. While missionary activities and Western influence have their place in this narrative the real issue lies in the collective choice to prioritize external validation over internal pride.
The antidote for misinformation
The rapid speed of misinformation about the video’s original underscores the ease with which stereotypes about the communities can be weaponized. These incidents highlight the urgent need for responsible social media usage and fact-checking to prevent the amplification of false claims that can harm community harmony. Such misinformation is spread by somewhere common people who intentionally or unintentionally believe and support it. Whereas such spread of misinformation can be fixed by people only.
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Verify before sharing: misattributed videos can convert into essay conflict. Always check the source and authenticity of such content.
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Focus on facts, not assumptions, the video’s misrepresentation as being from Punjab reveals how assumptions can overshadow the truth.
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Promoting religious harmony, and highlighting the efforts of organizations working to serve cultural and religious unity can counter devised narratives.
Altogether the viral video of the Jesus torture reenactment procession is from Jammu and not from Punjab. The misattribution underscores the importance of combating misinformation and fostering understanding among communities. While Punjab grapples with the influence of missionary activities, it remains a beacon of religious diversity and peaceful coexistence.
Let this incident be a reminder to approach such controversies with caution, ensuring that facts not assumptions, drive public discourse.