DHARAMSHALA (S Gopal Puri)
A humble garland seller from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa, as she has come to be known, had never imagined that her life would take such an extraordinary turn.
Selling Rudraksh malas amid the spiritual grandeur at the grand Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, she has been earning around Rs 2,000 a day, enough to sustain her modest life.
A travel vlogger captured a short video of Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa (not her real name) smiling and sharing her experience at the fair. Her mesmerising eyes and graceful charm immediately clicked with the netizens and Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa overnight turned a sensation on social media platforms.
Hailed as ‘India’s new national crush’
The video garnered millions of views and shares. The internet was smitten and hashtags like #MahakumbhMonaLisa and #PrayagrajBeauty began trending. Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa was hailed as “India’s new national crush”. Influencers, media channels and brands started reaching out to her.
The rise of Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa has sparked a flurry of reactions online. Admirers praise her “natural beauty and simplicity”, with comments flooding in such as “Her eyes are so enchanting” and “She embodies the true essence of Indian beauty”.
Foreign tourists, fascinated by her natural beauty, have been taking pictures with her. Some are calling Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa an “angel” while others compared her to a “princess”. What started as a few selfies soon turned into a viral sensation.
With her striking amber eyes and a gentle yet confident demeanour, she has drawn comparisons to the famous artwork Mona Lisa that shares her name.
“Social media has the power to turn ordinary lives into extraordinary stories in the blink of an eye. For Maha Kumbh Mona Lisa, what began as a normal day at the Maha Kumbh Mela has transformed into a journey of fame and fortune,” says a vlogger, Prikshit Nainta.
Critics say influencers exploiting her innocence for monetary gain
A viral Instagram reel has amassed over 15 million views, catapulting her to instant fame. In one viral clip, an influencer is seen questioning her about her sudden popularity, to which she humbly responds, emphasising her traditional values.
Her candid reply to a marriage-related query “I will only marry someone chosen by my parents” has resonated deeply with viewers, further enhancing her appeal.
However, her newfound fame has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the intense media attention is overshadowing the spiritual essence of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
One user remarked, “This is a sacred event, not a fashion show. Let’s maintain the dignity of the occasion.” Another expressed concerns about influencers exploiting her innocence for views and monetary gain.
