After PM Modi's appeal for lightning diyas, WhatsApp news begin: What is hoax and what is the truth

PM Modiji in his speech on 3rd April asked people to light diyas, candle and torches on 5th April at 9 PM for 9 minutes. This has given WhatsApp users another area to brew new stories.

The rumours, facts and messages include everything. From the auspicious number 9 to the inclusion of Mars and Moon. People on WhatsApp only need a thread and the messages start doing rounds.

On of these messages on Whatsapp read:

"Artificial lights such as tube light emits electromagnetic waves of certain frequency. One disadvantage is that it blocks the natural light coming from distant stars and Moon. This natural light has infra-ultrasonic hyper modulated frequency which can act upon the lipid layers of mRNA dependent coronavirus in nanoseconds. Some tons of virus can be destroyed in 9 minutes time. Also candle light and DIYA eminates heats which eliminates the remaining corona hiding in your home."

Another message read:

"Coronaviruses don't survive in hot temperature as per NASA Research. If 130 candles are lit together, temperature will increase by 9 degrees as per IIT Professor. So Corona will die at 9:09 PM. Masterstroke by Modi."

And the funniest one that we read:

"PM's numerology:  Came at 9 AM, Speech for 9 minutes, 5th April (5+4), 9 PM and 9 minutes, From 21, 9 days will be left on 5th. 9 is also the number of Mars. Light/Fire = Mars. Modiji will activate the light of the Mars Planet.

It's a hoax.

All of this news being circulated on Whatsapp is fake and has no scientific background. Scammers and fake news spreaders are using technical words and emotions in the wake of distress. Do not fall prey to such news.

The Public Information Bureau too released a fact check statement stating that all of this is false and baseless.

So what's the truth?

The truth is that the lighting of candles is a movement to bring unity amongst people. We must stand with each other rather than believing everything from WhatsApp forwards. You can also report such things on the official PIB Twitter account or WhatsApp on 8799711259.