Harsha Richhariya is an Indian social media influencer and professional host from Uttarakhand who has gained significant attention at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.
• Background: Harsha Richhariya is known for her work as an actress, anchor, and influencer. She has a substantial following on Instagram, where she shares content related to her life, travels, and events.
• At Kumbh Mela: During the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Harsha gained viral status due to her appearance and interviews at the event. She was referred to as the “beautiful Sadhvi” (female ascetic) by some media outlets and social media users, although this title has been a point of contention.
• Controversy: Harsha claimed in interviews that she had taken up the life of a Sadhvi two years prior to the Mela, which led to mixed reactions. Critics pointed out her previous lifestyle as an influencer, model, and host, with some accusing her of using the Kumbh Mela for personal branding or to increase her social media following. Posts on X and various news articles highlight this debate, with some users questioning the authenticity of her spiritual transformation given her active participation in glamorous events and her social media presence in modern attire.
• Social Media Impact: Her presence at the Kumbh Mela significantly boosted her visibility, with reports indicating that her Instagram followers jumped from around 7 lakh to over 1 million following her appearances and interviews at the event.
• Public Reaction: While some admire her for her beauty and her apparent transition to spiritual life, others have criticized her for what they perceive as a contradiction between her past and present personas. This has led to a broad spectrum of commentary both in traditional media and on social platforms.
In summary, Harsha Richhariya’s participation in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has turned her into a focal point of discussion regarding authenticity, spirituality versus modern lifestyle, and the influence of social media in shaping public perception of religious and cultural events.