Magh Mela 2026: Who Is ‘Google Golden Baba’?

In the middle of the spiritual fervor at the Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj, Manoj Anand Maharaj, famously known as ‘Google Golden Baba’, has become a viral sensation. Draped in gold weighing several kilograms and worth crores, the Kanpur-based seer has turned his camp into a selfie hotspot for pilgrims visiting the Triveni Sangam.

Who is ‘Google Golden Baba’?

A resident of Kanpur, Manoj Anand Maharaj (also known as Manoj Sengar) has been a figure of public curiosity for years due to his obsession with the “yellow metal.”¹

The Spectacle: He claims to wear ornaments worth approximately ₹5 crore, including heavy bracelets, rings featuring deity engravings, and layered necklaces made of gold and silver.
The ‘Bappi Lahiri’ of UP: He is often compared to the late music legend for his flamboyant style. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he made headlines for commissioning a triple-coated gold mask worth ₹5 lakh.²
The “Google” Moniker: He is nicknamed ‘Google Golden Baba’ because he is easily searchable and has a massive digital footprint due to his unique lifestyle.

Spiritual & Political Vows

While the jewelry captures the eyes, the Baba’s lifestyle is driven by specific spiritual and political pledges:³

The ‘PM Yogi’ Pledge: Currently, Golden Baba walks barefoot as part of a personal vow.⁴ He has declared that he will not wear footwear until Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath becomes the Prime Minister of India.⁵
The Silver Crown: He wears a silver crown specifically engraved with the image of CM Yogi Adityanath.
Devotion: He is a staunch devotee of ‘Karauli Wale Baba’ (Santosh Singh Bhadauria) and always carries a pure gold idol of Laddu Gopal, which he treats as his primary spiritual protector.

Security vs. Faith

Despite carrying wealth that would typically require a security detail, Golden Baba moves freely through the crowds.

Fearless: When asked about the risk of theft, he famously claims that his faith in the divine and the protection of his “Laddu Gopal” idol are more powerful than any armed guard.
Tradition: He identifies as a Kshatriya and views his gold not as a luxury, but as a symbol of the courage and prosperity traditional to his lineage.

Magh Mela 2026: Fast Facts

Event	Date
Makar Sankranti (Shahi Snan)	January 14, 2026
Mauni Amavasya	January 18, 2026
Maghi Purnima	February 1, 2026
Maha Shivratri (Closing)	February 15, 2026