From Mona Lisa to IIT Baba: Meet Viral People of Maha Kumbh 2025

From Mona Lisa to IIT Baba: Meet Viral People of Maha Kumbh 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is not just a religious spectacle; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together millions of people from across the world. Every edition of the event introduces unique stories and faces that captivate the internet, and the 2025 Maha Kumbh is no exception. This year, an eclectic mix of personalities—ranging from a Harry Potter lookalike to a bead-seller nicknamed Mona Lisa—has taken social media by storm. Here's a closer look at the five most viral figures making headlines from this grand spiritual gathering.

1. Harry Potter: A foreigner attending the Maha Kumbh has caught everyone’s eye for his uncanny resemblance to Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who played Harry Potter. A viral video shows him enjoying local prasad while visitors marvel at his likeness to the famous wizard. Comments like “Harry Potter prasad ka aanand lete huye” and “Is he Daniel Radcliffe?” have flooded social media, making him an instant sensation at the event.

2. Mona Lisa: ‘Mona Lisa,’ as she’s fondly called, is a young woman who travelled from Madhya Pradesh to sell beads at the mela. Her captivating smile and aura have made her an internet darling, with her photos and videos going viral. However, her newfound fame has come with challenges—reports suggest she has faced harassment from selfie-seekers. Despite this, Mona Lisa remains one of the most talked-about faces at the Maha Kumbh.

3. IITian Baba: Abhay Singh, popularly known as IITian Baba, is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and a former aerospace engineer who left a high-paying job in Canada to embrace spirituality. His decision to renounce worldly comforts has sparked debates and admiration alike. Now living the life of a sanyasi, his presence at the Maha Kumbh has drawn significant attention, with many curious about the journey that led him to this spiritual path.

4. Anaaj Wale Baba: Among the more unusual personalities at the Maha Kumbh is Amarjeet, also known as Anaaj Wale Baba. A Hatha Yogi, this baba grows crops like wheat, millet, and peas—on his head! Originating from Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, his unique practice has fascinated visitors. The sight of healthy crops sprouting from his head has earned him a spot among the most intriguing figures of the mela.

5. The Muscular Baba: Atma Prem Giri Maharaj, nicknamed the Muscular Baba, is originally from Russia but has dedicated his life to promoting Hinduism. Standing an impressive seven feet tall, this saffron-clad baba has become a viral sensation for his towering physique and muscular build. Now residing in Nepal, his spiritual dedication and striking appearance have left visitors in awe.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a testament to India’s diversity, spirituality, and cultural vibrancy. Beyond the rituals and spiritual practices, it offers a platform for extraordinary individuals to share their stories with the world. From Harry Potter lookalikes to innovative yogis, this year’s viral personalities add a unique charm to the event, reminding us that the Kumbh Mela is not just about faith—it’s also about celebrating humanity in all its fascinating forms.