Abhinav Arora, famously known as ‘Bal Sant,’ has found himself in the midst of controversy once again, this time due to his appearance at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. The 10-year-old, who is often the subject of media attention, was seen carrying what appeared to be a high-end luxury designer bag, sparking a massive online debate. While the bag’s steep price tag caught the initial interest of netizens, it was the controversy surrounding the materials used that really ignited the backlash.
10-year-old spiritual influencer Abhinav Arora grabbed attention at the Mahakumbh Mela—not just for his devotional speeches but for carrying a luxury Dior backpack before taking a holy dip. The contrast between his spiritual image and high-end accessory sparked debate online.
The bag in question is the Dior Hit the Road Backpack, a luxury item valued at around Rs 3 lakh. The backpack is crafted from black-coated cotton canvas and features the signature CD Diamond print, rumoured to be accented with smooth calfskin details. However, what truly fueled the online furor was a misconception regarding the bag’s materials. Many assumed that the bag was entirely made from calfskin leather, which raised concerns given the religious significance of cows in Hinduism.
To clarify the situation, Abhinav’s father intervened, explaining that the bag was primarily made from fabric canvas and not from leather. He was quick to defend his son, expressing his frustration over the growing controversy and emphasizing that there was nothing to hide. “The bag is made out of fabric canvas, not calfskin,” he stated. “I don’t use leather at all, even in my footwear. I will never do that in my lifetime. I lead a family-centered life, performing religious rituals. Whatever I do, I don’t hide. If I were trying to conceal anything, I wouldn’t have taken the bag to Sangam, where 2 Crore people gathered on Magh Purnima. It’s just a fabric canvas bag, and I’m not sure about the name. We bought it during our last foreign tour,” he clarified.
However, the official product description from Dior tells a slightly different story. According to the luxury brand’s website, the Hit the Road Backpack does indeed incorporate smooth animal elements alongside the coated cotton canvas, adding a layer of complexity to the debate. This detail directly contradicts the father’s statement that the bag contains no leather, further fueling the ongoing controversy.
