Necklace Seller’s Viral Fame Disrupts Kumbh Sales
News Desk
Islamabad: The ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, is drawing millions of Hindu pilgrims.
Amid the spiritual fervor, a 16-year-old necklace seller named Monalisa Bhosale has unexpectedly captured the spotlight due to her striking resemblance to the subject of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, the “Mona Lisa.”
Monalisa Bhosale, known for her sharp, piercing eyes and innocent demeanor, has become an internet sensation after a video of her selling necklaces at the Triveni Sangam went viral.
Her youthful beauty and calm, serene expression amidst the bustling crowds have caught the attention of both pilgrims and social media users, sparking widespread comparisons to the iconic painting. Many have begun referring to her as the “Mona Lisa of Maha Kumbh.”
However, while her viral fame has earned her admiration, it has also had unintended consequences. Social media influencers and visitors to the Kumbh Mela, captivated by her beauty, have flooded her space not to purchase necklaces, but to take selfies and record videos. As a result, Monalisa’s sales have been negatively impacted, with a growing number of social media posts highlighting the downside of her newfound fame.
Sachin Gupta, a social media user, posted about the situation on platform X, pointing out that the young girl’s sudden popularity has led to a drop in her income as fewer people are coming to her stall to buy necklaces. Instead, they are more interested in interacting with her for photos and videos.
While Monalisa Bhosale’s viral popularity continues to grow, some have raised concerns about the impact of such unusual events on the spiritual nature of the Kumbh Mela. The festival, which is a significant religious occasion for Hindus, draws millions of people every four years, with the largest gathering occurring once every 12 years. The ongoing Kumbh Mela will continue until February 26 this year.
Indian Railways has been running more than 80 special trains to accommodate the millions of pilgrims, while over 50,000 personnel have been deployed for the security of the event. Despite the challenges posed by Monalisa’s viral fame, her presence at the Mela has sparked conversations about the intersection of social media, religious festivals, and the commercialization of personal moments.
As the Kumbh Mela progresses, many are left pondering whether such viral phenomena will become a regular fixture at future religious events.
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