Maha Kumbh: Harassed, viral 'amber-eyed' girl Monalisa returns to Indore

Garland vendor Monalisa (Courtesy: X | @Monalisa_khumb)

Monalisa Bhonsle, a garland seller, had unexpectedly become the focal point of attention at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. With striking features, the woman from Madhya Pradesh's Indore drew comparisons to the iconic Monalisa, Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, making her a quick internet sensation.

The sudden spotlight drew hordes of onlookers and social media influencers. The vendor became wanted attention after a content creator shared her video selling rudraksha garlands at the Kumbh Mela. After being harassed and 'tortured' a group of men while selling garlands, she was forced to leave the religious gathering.

According to a report by The Tribune, Monalisa revealed in a video that a group of men entered her tent under false pretenses, claiming her father had sent them to take pictures with her. "I refused and told them to go to my father if he had sent them. I wouldn't click pictures with them," she is heard saying in the video.

One of her family members pulled Monalisa away to safety as she was trying to escape the crowd approaching for selfies. A visibly irritated group of people helped the woman vendor cover her face with a dupatta as she sat down.

"I have to go back to Indore for my family and my safety. If possible, I will be back for the next Maha Kumbh," Monalisa said.

Following the harassment, she was sent back home by her father, who, according to an NDTV report, claimed that the Kumbh Mela was no longer a safe place for Monalisa to earn a living or maintain her well-being. The sudden fame adversely impacted Monalisa's business, as people approached her for selfies instead of buying garlands.