NEW DELHI: A controversy has surfaced over anchor and influencer Harsha Richhariya sitting on a chariot alongside seers during the Chhavani Pravesh procession of the Niranjani Akhara, a ritual marking their formal entry into the Maha Kumbh.
Swami Anand Swaroop, chief of Kali Sena, has objected to the incident, stating that the Kumbh is a platform for spreading spirituality and knowledge, not a publicity event for models.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
Richhariya, seen in saffron robes at the Kumbh, later clarified that she is not a ‘sanyasin’ (ascetic). The incident sparked debate after her photos circulated on social media.
Also See:Maha Kumbh
Swami Anand Swaroop, in a Facebook post in Hindi on Wednesday, said, “During ‘bhojan prasad’ at Niranjani Akhara with Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri, I raised concerns about Kumbh being used to showcase models. The Kumbh is meant for chanting (‘jap’), penance (‘tap’), and knowledge (‘gyaan’). Action should be taken against such inappropriate acts.”
However, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri downplayed the issue, asserting that wearing saffron clothes is not a crime. “Richhariya, referred to as Harshita, took ‘mantra deeksha’ from a Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara. Our tradition allows youngsters to wear saffron for Sanatan events. This is not a violation.”
Elaborating further, Puri said, “She is a model and active on social media. She was wearing Ram Naami cloth (‘vastra’) and participated as part of our tradition, which includes seers for varying durations—one day, five days, seven days. She is not a ‘sanyasin’ but has taken ‘mantra deeksha’ and openly clarified the same.”
Read more: Maha Kumbh stories
Puri explained that ‘mantra deeksha’ involves mantras like ‘Om Namah Shivaaye’ being whispered in one’s ear, likening it to practices performed during marriages. He emphasized that targeting Richhariya for sitting on the chariot is unwarranted.
