The most-awaited spiritual gathering in India, Mahakumbh, is underway. This sacred congregation, deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition, has drawn millions of devotees, seekers and saints from across the globe. The Maha Kumbh 2025 is especially significant due to its alignment with rare celestial configurations that occur once every 144 years, amplifying its spiritual significance and an unprecedented number of pilgrims. As the banks of the Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj host the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the event is making headlines owing to a few selected ‘babas,’ ‘sadhus,’ ‘sadhvis’ and a garland seller among many! But should they have gone viral, especially at a holy and spiritual gathering as big as the Mahakumbh? The internet’s attention to a few attendees at the Kumbh Mela certainly raised eyebrows, getting mired in controversy owing to Instagram reels and viral videos. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Start and End Dates in Prayagraj.
'Beautiful Sadhvi' Harsha Richhariya
Harsha Richhariya grabbed attention at the Mahakumbh when the cameras panned on her as she moved on a chariot right on the day of the first Amrit Snan, January 14. Her videos and pictures went viral online, making internet users curious about who she is, with some followers referring to her as the “most beautiful Sadhvi.” The unwanted attention is met with disapproval from a section of ascetics, emphasising Kumbh Mela’s purpose is to spread spiritual knowledge rather than serve as a stage for personal publicity. The model-influencer soon became a bone of contention among seers. The ongoing discussions around her reflect differing perspectives on tradition, modernity and what should be the role of individuals in spiritual events. ‘Sadhvi’ Harsha Richhariya Offered Lead Role in ‘Deshdrohi 2’ by KRK After Videos of Host Turned Sadhvi From Maha Kumbh 2025 Goes Viral.
Watch Viral Video of Harsha Richhariya:
उत्तराखंड से प्रयागराज महाकुम्भ पहुंची 30 साल की आयु की सुन्दर साध्वी का यह इंटरव्यू वायरल हो रहा है। चकाचौंध छोड़ 2 साल पहले सन्यास लेकर साध्वी बनी..अब जीवन धर्म के नाम। #MahaKumbhMela2025#MahaKumbh #KumbhMela #kumbh pic.twitter.com/dKrEsFJH3V
— TRUE STORY (@TrueStoryUP) January 13, 2025
‘IIT Baba’ Abhay Singh
Abhay Singh, a graduate of one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), became a topic of fascination at the Juna Akhada, where he had been residing for several days. The engineer turned ‘Sanyasi’ and his quest for spirituality earned him the title ‘IIT Baba’ on social media. His intriguing story sparked widespread curiosity. However, soon after his popularity, things became controversial when he was accused of allegedly using abusive language towards his Guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri. As a consequence, Singh has reportedly been barred from entering the Akhada camp and its vicinity. The Akhada stated that discipline and devotion to one’s Guru are fundamental tenets of Sanyas and anyone failing to uphold these values cannot be recognised as a Sanyasi. In addition, reports stated that the constant media interactions affected his mental health, while some even accused him of taking drugs. Who Is ‘IIT Baba’ Abhay Singh at Maha Kumbh Mela?
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