Harsha Richhariya Leaves Religious Path After Mental Struggles

Social activist and influencer Harsha Richhariya has made headlines for her decision to abandon the religious path she committed to during the Mahakumbh 2025. In a recent interview, she expressed the mental anguish that led to her choice, revealing that the pressure and opposition she faced made her feel suicidal.

Richhariya, who gained significant attention during the religious event, described herself as “an ordinary human being” and not a divine figure like Goddess Sita. She stated, “I am not Maha Sita, nor am I even worthy of the dust of her feet. I am an ordinary human being with a limited capacity to endure.” Her struggles intensified over the past year, culminating in severe mental distress and health issues, including debilitating migraine attacks.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Richhariya shared, “I can stay calm and keep giving tests only up to a point. For the past year, I have tried to remain patient. But during this time, I have been mentally disturbed many times. There were moments when I even tried to end my life.” The relentless scrutiny and criticism from the public and religious leaders contributed to her emotional turmoil.

She further elaborated on the challenges she faced, stating, “After going through all this, I asked myself, should I die, or should I leave this path? The path that feels right for me and my family is being opposed by many people.” Richhariya suggested that societal jealousy may play a role in the backlash she has experienced. “Maybe it is because some people cannot see a daughter moving ahead. But when religious leaders repeatedly stand against you, it makes you feel like giving up that path altogether.”

Despite her decision to step away from the religious journey, Richhariya emphasized that there was nothing inherently wrong with it. “There was never anything wrong with that path. There was only a difference in noise. On one side, there was spiritual noise, and on the other, a more western kind of noise,” she explained.

Richhariya’s previous identity as an actress and anchor also faced scrutiny when she transitioned to a more spiritual lifestyle. “I was known because of my work in the entertainment industry. When my name changed, people questioned it. But there was no wrongdoing there,” she said. The constant questioning of her choices only added to her frustrations.

The emotional toll of public judgment led her to reconsider her path. “When a person is broken repeatedly, they are forced to look for another way. So yes, I did move ahead, but out of compulsion. If you ask what kind of problems I faced, I would say there is hardly any problem I did not face,” Richhariya noted.

Moreover, she pointed out the hypocrisy within society that claims to honor women while simultaneously resisting their progress. “In a society that talks about worshipping women, it is painful to see that when women actually move forward, the same society begins to have problems with it,” she remarked.

Harsha Richhariya’s decision to return to her previous life as a model and influencer was announced through a social media video, where she disclosed the financial and emotional struggles she encountered. Living in debt and facing constant opposition, she described the choice to leave the religious path as a deeply challenging one.

As she navigates this transition, Richhariya hopes to reclaim her identity and continue her journey on her own terms. Her story not only highlights the personal battles of individuals within the public eye but also raises critical questions about societal expectations and the treatment of women pursuing their ambitions.