The internet is still swept up by trends that are spreading fast, and the newest one includes a basic mixture of turmeric (haldi), water, and a mobile phone flashlight. The viral test involving dropping turmeric into a glass of water poured over a burning mobile torch has turned into a visual phenomenon throughout Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook due to its glowing, near-enchanting appearance.
Though it has been many who have been enchanted by its beauty, others have raised concerns. An increasing number of spiritual voices on social media suggest the trend might hold deeper, darker meanings, with some of them suggesting it reminds them of ancient occult practices and would ‘inviting negative energy’. Others have even termed the trend a practice of black magic or spiritually risky.
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A ‘Kanpuriya’ Twist
In the midst of all these controversies, a witty take on the trend has been winning hearts on social media. Social media influencer Nafia Anas used Instagram to mock the viral experiment with a very Kanpuriya spin. Rather than applying turmeric, she poured a packet of gutka (chewing tobacco) into the water while mimicking the same dramatic lighting and background score used in other videos.
Her tongue-in-cheek approach struck a chord with audiences. One user commented, “Such a beautiful scene. Mesmerizing view of Kanpur,” while another declared her the ‘winner of this trend’. Another wrote, “Actually, it’s much better than the haldi!!! Because I’m bored of watching it again and again!!”
The video, shared last week, has already surpassed 3 million views, with others urging her to experiment with different pan masala brands next.
Is the Haldi-Water Trend Harmless or Harmful?
With increasing numbers of people trying the turmeric-water trick, questions about its implications keep arising. Some internet critics have accused it’s a risky ritual meant to ‘summon spirits’, while others fear the health or safety implications involved.
Another group has accused the trend of wastefulness, stating that splashing clean water on the face for a quick moment of internet popularity is irresponsible.
Nevertheless, mixed opinions haven’t hindered the trend from gaining popularity, with many users who want to give it a shot themselves.
Amidst all this, Nafia Anas’s Kanpuriya spoof has been a breath of fresh air in the form of a laugh, reminding us that sometimes the best way to traverse internet madness is with a good laugh.