Who Is ‘Mahakumbh Ki Mona Lisa’?
A young garland seller hailing from Indore goes by the name of Mona Lisa. Recently, she has gained immense popularity on social media, as people have even compared her to the famous painting. Her authenticity along with immense charm makes her stand out, but also attracts controversy which adds to her internet draw.
The Viral Sensation
The Mona Lisa trend began with a instagram reel by the account @shivam_bikaneri_official. The video has now surpassed 15 million views. In the video, one can see Mona Lisa’s amber eyes and alluring dusky skin. When paired with her unfiltered and captivating responses, they perfectly showcased her charm. Additionaly, seeing her resemblance to the featured painting adds to the eagerness.
On youtube, there is a clip where a Youtuber humiliates her by asking if she wants to be famous and what her thoughts on marriage are. Mona Lisa heartwarming response, “Why would I like any of them? All of them are my brothers. I will only marry someone my parents choose for me,” appropriately captures her grounded ideology.
Public Reactions
Social media was filled with praises with the majority complimenting her natural beauty combined with such graceful poise. One of the users said, “She is so gorgeous and true to herself”, Another added, “Her modesty is her defining trait.”
But the celebration has not come without its form of backlash from users who have like many others, doubted the morality of capturing her video in a religious function of this magnitude without her consent.
“Instead if appreciating this holy gathering, which is called Mahakumbh Mela and takes place once in 144 years, people are turning it into a social media circus. A concerned user commented about their worrying perspective on this.”
A Debate on Boundaries
The varying comments based on the videos in question have put the internet to a deeper discourse around the lack of respect on an individual’s privacy and the use of capturing a moment of high spiritual importance. Influencers sought out criticism and were flagged for focusing on the virality of Mona Lisa’s persona instead of cherishing the environment they are in.
One commenter harshly stated, ‘Rather than paying homage to the sanctity of the Mahakumbh, influencers are purely using this young lady to gain more followers. Give her the courtesy that she deserves and respect the sensitivity of the occasion.’
What’s Next for ‘Mahakumbh Ki Mona Lisa’?
With increasing popularity, Mona Lisa is still earning her daily bread selling garlands. Her life story tells us that such profound and intense bonds can be made while being amidst one of the biggest religious festivals in the world, in the chaos of it all such connections do happen.
The story of ‘Mona Lisa from Mahakumbh’ serves as inspiration to countless others who seek to carve out their own identity in this increasingly digitalized world. Nonetheless, her story, while inspiring to many, also raises deep concerns about the nature of privacy, the nature of respect, and the nature of sacredness in this digital world.
