Spiritual influencer earns ₹66 crore by selling ‘wish candles’ to attract wealth, bring back ex-partner; gets arrested
Young people spent heavily on wish candles by the spiritual influencer, who faces fraud charges after claims of psychic powers. Despite her arrest, the trend continues on social media.
Young people in China spent large amounts of money on “wish candles” sold by social media influencer Li Zhuofan. Li became popular after appearing on a Russian reality show, where she claimed to have psychic powers.
Li later returned to China and started selling handmade candles decorated with crystals and flowers. She claimed those candles could improve careers, increase wealth or even bring back an ex-partner.
The candles were expensive, starting at 2,888 yuan (over ₹38,000. Some even cost up to 7,888 yuan (over ₹1 lakh). She also sold online fortune-telling courses and posted videos to strengthen her psychic image, according to the South China Morning Post.
One customer paid 5,888 yuan (more than ₹77,000) to attract more business. But, nothing happened. The matter was reported to the police.
According to local reports, Li was arrested for fraud. Prosecutors claim she earned over 50 million yuan (nearly ₹66 crore) through these sales. If convicted, she could face more than 10 years in prison under Chinese law.
Meanwhile, even after the fraud case became public, posts and shopping links for wish candles continued to spread on Chinese social media. Some users even shared personal stories.
One person claimed that, after lighting a “love candle”, her ex-boyfriend started contacting her again. Others advised buyers to observe how long the candle burns and how the flame moves. They claim it may reveal if a partner is cheating.
The wish candle trend is part of a larger rise in China’s “metaphysical economy”, according to SCMP. It includes crystals, tarot readings and other spiritual products.
These items are being marketed to young people who feel stressed and pressured. Sellers use live streaming, social media and AI tools to attract more customers.
Metaphysical economy in India
India’s “metaphysical economy” is growing very fast. It was valued at around $58.6 billion ( ₹5.33 lakh crore) in 2024 and is expected to reach nearly $151.9 billion ( ₹13.83 lakh crore) by 2034, according to Inc42. This sector is growing at 10% annually, faster than India’s overall GDP growth.
One major reason is digital transformation. Many startups now offer e-darshan, e-puja and online astrology services. Platforms like VAMA and Sri Mandir have attracted lakhs of users through apps and online services.
Young people are also driving this growth. About 70% of spiritual tech revenue now comes from the 25–35 age group, according to Inc42. Gen Z and Millennials now prefer convenient, personalised ways to stay connected to their culture.
Government support has also helped. Schemes like PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan have invested ₹1,726.74 crore in improving pilgrimage sites.
On Shark Tank India this year, spiritual wearables brand Japam bagged ₹1.5 crore for a 1% equity stake. The deal, led by Namita Thapar and Varun Alagh, valued the company at ₹150 crore.
About the Author
Sounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. <br><br> Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storytelling. His work tracks audience behaviour, celebrity influence and the business of sport and cinema. He helps readers understand why a story matters beyond the headline. <br><br> Sounak has contributed to widely read digital publications. He continues to build a body of journalism shaped by consistency, speed and editorial clarity. He is particularly interested in the intersection of media, popular culture and public conversation in contemporary India. <br><br> At LiveMint, he writes daily coverage as well as analytical pieces that interpret numbers, trends and cultural moments in accessible language. His approach prioritises factual depth, balanced framing and reader trust. The reporting aligns with modern newsroom standards of transparency and credibility. <br><br> Outside daily reporting, he explores storytelling across formats including podcasts, filmmaking and narrative non-fiction. Through his journalism, Sounak aims to document the rhythms of modern entertainment and sports while maintaining rigorous editorial integrity. <br><br> Sounak continues to develop audience-focused journalism that connects speed with substance in a rapidly-changing information environment. His work seeks clarity, trust and lasting public value in every story he reports.