The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 commenced with its first holy dip, attracting over 60 lakh devotees. Sadhvi Harsha Richhariya, a former actress turned spiritual leader, gained significant online attention for her serene response regarding her choice of life. Criticism and support pour in as she remains actively involved in hosting and promoting the event.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the most significant religious gatherings and the largest event in the whole world. The fair is organized every 12 years at four different sites, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.
This auspicious fair is rooted in the ancient Hindu tradition, which draws millions of devotees from countries all over the world who come to have a holy dip in the sacred rivers. The Mahakumbh 2025 is more special because of its religious significance and also because of the rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years.
Yesterday was the first bath of Mahakumbh 2025 when more than 60 lakh devotees took a bath in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers known as the holy Sangam. The 2025 Maha Kumbh has witnessed notable personalities and
spiritual leaders
who are attending the event, and the event has also been of significant social media attention.
One among the many personalities, a beautiful
Sadhvi
has become popular among folks online.
In the viral video, Sadhvi
Harsha Richhariya
can be seen seated gracefully in a chariot, responding to questions posed by a YouTuber or reporter. One of the questions asked was why she chose the life of a Sadhvi despite her striking beauty. Her poised and graceful response has been praised by many viewers and has quickly gone viral on social media.
When inquired about her background, she revealed, "I am from Uttarakhand and a disciple of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar." Addressing the question about her beauty, she explained, "I left behind what I needed to and embraced this path. I chose the life of a Sadhvi for inner peace." She also shared that she is 30 years old and has been living as a Sadhvi for the past two years.
Many photos on social media show comparative photos of the sadhvi of her life before and after life embracing celibacy.
She also said that she was an actress earlier, "When you achieve so much in life—acting, anchoring, traveling the world—you realize that none of it brings true peace. You may have fame and recognition, but no solace. When devotion starts to draw you in, you turn away from worldly connections and immerse yourself in prayer, hymns, and devotion to God." She confirmed.
Who Is Harsha Richhariya?
Harsha Richhariya is a versatile personality popular as an actor, anchor, and world traveler. Despite having so many roles as a sadhvi, she still hosts events, especially celebrations such as weddings where she shows her flexibility. Her posts on Instagram stories show everything apart from hosting. Currently, she is busy handling events and continuing to promote the
Maha Kumbh 2025
event. And with all this, she stays buzzing with more than 690,000 followers and over 2,500 posts.
Her recent Instagram updates indicate that she is actively involved in the Maha Kumbh 2025. Going back to November 2024, her stories reveal her hosting a destination wedding in Bangkok's Hua Hin City, followed by another destination wedding in Mandalay City, Myanmar.
How did social media react?
A journalist shared a video of Harsha Richhariya on a beach, commenting, "Is she the same person? If yes, then stay cautious of such individuals!"
Many other social media users called her "glitter" posting her old "glamorous" videos and opining that such things are declining the sanctity of a sadhvi.
However, it is not yet confirmed that the apparent photos belong to the sadhvi. She has received a lot of backlash online.
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