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Journalism of Courage
The Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, known for its spiritual essence and massive crowds, has recently become the centre of online buzz for an unusual reason—a garland seller who has gone viral for her looks. Amid the sacred atmosphere at the Triveni Sangam, where devotees gather to “wash away their sins,” a young woman from Indore has unexpectedly become a social media sensation.
Her photos and videos – highlighting her amber eyes, dusky complexion, and unique way of speaking –– have gone viral. That her name is Mona Lisa made netizens, mostly men, more curious about her.
However, her newfound spotlight has divided public opinion. While some celebrated her “natural beauty,” many criticised male influencers and bystanders turning the sacred event into photo ops with her. In one viral reel from the account “shivam_bikaneri_official,” which has gone viral with over 15 million views, a YouTuber is seen asking the woman where she is from and if she has Facebook and Instagram accounts. He also tells her she has become famous.
In a different Instagram reel from the same account, a man asks Lisa if she is “married,” and if she “likes any of the men following her” at the Mela. Lisa responds saying, “Why would I like any of them? All of them are my brothers,” and that she will only marry someone her parents choose for her.
The videos have sparked conversations about boundaries, respect, and the line between admiration and exploitation in today’s digital age.
Reacting to the video, one user commented, “She is so beautiful.”
Many users weren’t pleased with how she got surrounded by men for pictures and selfies. A user wrote, “Bhai it feels like you’re bothering her. This is Maha Kumbh, the most spiritual event in the last 144 years. Have you any awareness? you’re following her with a camera trying to persuade her into money and followers. Speak of holy things and respect her space.”
Another user said, “She is beautiful indeed! But how shameful of people who are following her. More shameful for the @shivam_bikaneri_official reporter who instead of shaming people, he is mentioning it as an achievement for her social profiles!”
Lisa’s Instagram account is now being tagged in many reels made on her, catapulting her to Instagram fame and steadily increasing her followers.
