An Instagram influencer faced criticism on Monday after photos of her at the Mahakumbh, dressed in saffron clothes, went viral on social media platforms.
The influencer, identified as Anchor Harsha Richhariya, has 759k followers on Instagram. In her bio, she describes herself as a “Hindi Sanatani Sherni.” She has uploaded more than 2,140 photos, with many showcasing her offering prayers at temples.
One of the photos that sparked the controversy showed Harsha in western attire, while another showed her wearing a garland and posing as a priest. The photo was shared by a social media account with the caption, “The public should avoid those who wear saffron part-time to increase their Instagram followers.” The post quickly gained attention, garnering over 425k views.
इंस्टाग्राम फॉलोअर्स बढ़ाने के लिए पार्ट टाइम भगवा पहनने वालों से बचना चाहिए पब्लिक को 😑😑 pic.twitter.com/7YXzl9f18w
---Advertisement---— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) January 13, 2025
While many users criticized her actions, others defended her, saying she should be free to live her life as she wishes. “She has freedom. Why should one be critical? Let her live her life. She must be exploring the best of both worlds,” one user commented. On the other hand, some accused her of using the saffron attire as a ploy to increase her Instagram following.
Harsha Richhariya later clarified that she identifies herself as a disciple of Aacharya Mahammamdelshwar Swami and Shri Kailash Nandgiri Ji. Despite the backlash, she has continued to post about her religious experiences and her journey through spirituality. Some followers have praised her for her genuine connection with her faith, while others remain skeptical of her intentions.
The debate over Harsha’s posts highlights the growing intersection between social media, spirituality, and personal branding, raising questions about authenticity and exploitation in the pursuit of online popularity.
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