From Monalisa To IIT Baba: How Maha Kumbh Gave Birth To New 'Content Creators'

The mega religious gathering which takes place once in 12 years, began on January 13 (Paush Purnima) and saw grand processions of Naga Sadhus and three Amrit Snans.

Monalisa became an internet sensation due to her striking amber eyes.

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Maha Kumbh: Over 65 per cent of India's population has taken a sacred bath during the 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela that will end on the occasion of Maha Shivratri today. The mega religious gathering which takes place once in 12 years, began on January 13 (Paush Purnima) and saw grand processions of Naga Sadhus and three Amrit Snans. As per official figures, over 65 crore devotees have so far visited this year's Kumbh in Prayagraj.

According to government data, by 2 am on Wednesday, over 11.66 lakh devotees immersed themselves in the Sangam on Maha Shivratri.

Here are some of the most talked-about personalities from the event:

1. IIT Baba: Abhay Singh, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, left his career to pursue spirituality. His journey from aerospace engineering to asceticism has captivated many.

2. Muscular Baba: The seven-foot-tall Russian-born monk embraced Sanatan Dharma three decades ago. He currently lives in Nepal. His build made him a viral sensation. 

3. Anaaj Wale Baba: Amarjeet, known as Anaaj Wale Baba, grows crops like wheat and peas on his head to promote environmental sustainability.

4. Monalisa Bhosle: The 16-year-old 'Rudraksha' seller from Indore became an internet sensation due to her striking amber eyes. Selling 'Rudraksha malas' at the Mela, her presence has been widely shared on social media platforms. 

5. Sadhvi Harsha: Harsha Richhariya, who transitioned from a modelling career to spiritual pursuits, is now known as Sadhvi Harsha. 

7. Chai Wale Baba: Baba Jodi Das, known for subsisting solely on tea, consumes about 10 cups daily. He has also been offering free coaching to civil service aspirants for the past four decades. 

8. Chimta Waale Baba: He became famous after a video surfaced of him reprimanding a reporter with his tongs during an interview.