Viral garland seller faces harassment by men, sent back home by father

Mangalore Today News Network

Prayagraj, January 23, 2025: A garland seller from Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, Monalisa Bhosle, who had become an internet sensation for her amber eyes during Maha Kumbh 2025, faced an unfortunate incident.

On her Instagram account, Monalisa (Moni) shared a video where she can be seen in a red salwar kameez, and her head covered with a dupatta.

She is seen struggling to keep an approaching crowd of men trying to get close to her, at bay.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Monalisa Bhosle (@monalisa.bhosle)

The video shows Monalisa’s female family members trying to shield her from the male crowd.

A female family member pulls her aside after which Monalisa is seen sitting down with her face covered with her dupatta.

According to a report by Republic World, Monalisa’s younger sister said, "People were after Monalisa all the time. It became difficult for her to focus on selling garlands. Our father decided it was best for us to go home for now."

Monalisa, who had come to sell handmade garlands and rudraksh beads, was praised and admired for her beauty and confident interaction with visitors which also made her the centre of attraction.

Maha Kumbh, a mega-religious event organised every 12 years, is being held in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj from January 13 and will continue for 45 days. More than eight crore pilgrims have so far taken a holy dip at the Sangam (the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to take a holy dip in Sangam on February 5. President Droupadi Murmu is also expected to visit the Maha Kumbh on February 10, according to sources.

Sources have also revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would be visiting the Maha Kumbh on Monday while Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhad is likely to take the holy dip on February 1.