'Maha Kumbh Ki Mona Lisa': Why The Viral Videos Of This Garland Seller Have Left Internet Divided
Mona Lisa, a garland seller at Maha Kumbh, has become a social media sensation. But while some are praising her natural beauty, others are criticising the male attention, questioning the boundaries.
A young woman from Indore is the latest craze on social media that is currently abuzz with all the chatter on and from the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela going on in Prayagraj. Her name is Mona Lisa, and she sells garlands made of colourful beads at the Triveni Sangam where thousands of devotees are coming every day to take a holy dip in the Ganga during the mega religious event that comes once in 144 years.
The woman with a dusky complexion and amber eyes has a unique way of speaking, and going by the reels being posted on Instagram, people, particularly men, seem to be too curious about her.
In one reel from an account, “shivam_bikaneri_official”, which is quite viral with over 1 million likes, a YouTuber is seen asking the woman where she comes from and if she has social media accounts. As she replies in the affirmative, he tells her that she must be famous.
In another reel from the same account, a man asks 'Mona Lisa' if she is “married”, to which she says she is only 16 and is too young for marriage. The man goes on to ask that if likes any one from the many followers she has on YouTube. “Why would I like any of them? All of them are my brothers,” she replies, before adding that she will marry someone her parents will choose for her.
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Internet Is Divided
Her sudden rise to fame has sparked mixed reactions. While some praised her for embodying "natural beauty", others criticised the "male gaze", and actions of influencers and bystanders who seemed overtly keen to click selfies with her. And all this at a place meant for pilgrimage.
Many viewers expressed discomfort with the way she was encircled by men as the videos ignited discussions about the fine line between admiration and exploitation in the digital era.
"Bhai it feels like you’re bothering her. This is Maha Kumbh, the most spiritual event in the last 144 years...respect her space," wrote one user.
“She is beautiful indeed! But how shameful of people who are following her," another user said, while yet another posted: "Seriously dude ! Kitna niche giroge (how much will you stoop)?"
In one video by 'shivam_bikaneri_official', the influencer tries to "gift" Rs 5,000 to Mona Lisa, which she refuses. After much persuasion, she accepts Rs 1,000 on the condition that he would buy one of her garlands.
Lisa’s own Instagram account is also getting a lot of traction and gaining followers.
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