Monalisa Bhonsle: From Selling Malas to Becoming a Viral Sensation at Maha Kumbh 2025
Monalisa Bhonsle, a humble mala seller from Indore, has captured the imagination of millions at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, drawing attention not only for her traditional craft but for an uncanny resemblance to the iconic figure in Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” With her serene smile and poised demeanor, Monalisa’s presence at the spiritual gathering has become a sensation. What began as a chance encounter soon spiraled into a phenomenon, where people from all walks of life sought to capture her image, making her an unlikely symbol of beauty, mystery, and surprise. The story of her rise to fame is filled with both joy and unforeseen consequences, as Monalisa finds herself at the center of a global fascination.
Monalisa Bhonsle, a 16-year-old garland seller from Indore who became an overnight sensation after videos of her selling rudraksha malas at the Maha Kumbh Mela went viral, celebrated her birthday on January 21. Several videos of her birthday celebrations went viral on Instagram as they garnered over half a million views. In one of the videos, Monalisa is seen cutting a cake while her loved ones sang happy birthday.
