“The video shows Pandits throwing burning torches (mashals) at each other during a dispute over donation money.”
What FACTLY found
The video actually shows the ‘Thootedhara’ or ‘Agni Keli’ ritual held during the annual fair at Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple in Mangaluru. In this centuries-old tradition, devotees from neighbouring villages symbolically throw burning torches at each other to honour Goddess Durga. It is not related to any dispute or fight over donation money.
Their words, from the summary they publish with the rating.
In short
This claim spread on social media around 4 July 2025. FACTLY (India) looked into it and published its finding on 9 July 2025, 5 days later. Its rating was “FALSE”.
Where the claim appeared
- Instagram posthttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DLq4jUhKGzS/
Links recorded by FACTLY. Some posts may have been deleted since.
This check was done by FACTLY, not by DoesItStand. We list it so you can find it. Their full evidence and reasoning are in their article.