Beauty Queens from Africa Mesmerised by Culture, Tradition and Spirituality in Telangana
Hyderabad, May 16 – The Miss World 2025 contestants witnessed a vibrant blend of culture, spirituality, and craftsmanship during their visit to Telangana as part of the ongoing international pageant. Twenty-five contestants from African nations explored the iconic Pochampally village, famed for its handwoven IKAT sarees, and offered prayers at the historic Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Yadagirigutta.Traditional Welcome and Cultural Immersion at Pochampally
The contestants were warmly welcomed with traditional rituals in Pochampally, which holds the distinction of being named the ‘Best World Tourism Village’ by the UNWTO. Known globally for its IKAT craftsmanship, the village showcased the intricate process behind the celebrated weave.From observing the elaborate stages of dyeing and weaving to trying their hand at spinning cotton on a charkha (spinning wheel), the beauty queens were left in awe of the artisans’ skills.
At a specially arranged amphitheatre, a fashion show featuring Indian women adorned in IKAT and handloom sarees added a touch of glamour to the visit. The contestants responded with enthusiastic applause, cheering the models and embracing the elegance of Indian textiles.
Folk Music, Dance, and Mehendi Delight Visitors
The air echoed with traditional beats of kinnera and dappu as local artists performed live folk music. Captivated by the melodies, the contestants joined in, dancing joyfully and even experimenting with the folk instruments.Further deepening their cultural experience, they adorned their hands with mehendi tattoos, skillfully applied by local artists, and posed for photographs to capture the memory.
Spiritual Sojourn to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Yadagirigutta
Another group of contestants from nine countries visited the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Yadagirigutta dressed in traditional Indian sarees. Guided through the temple’s history and architectural grandeur, they participated in ‘Deeparadhana’, lighting ceremonial lamps and receiving blessings from temple priests after darshan.The visit culminated in a spirited ‘Kolaatam’ performance, a stick dance traditionally performed by women, in which the contestants actively participated alongside local devotees.
Telangana Showcases Itself as a Global Cultural Destination
The Telangana government has seized the opportunity presented by the Miss World 2025 pageant to promote the state as a premier tourist and investment destination. As part of this vision, contestants have been touring prominent heritage sites across the state.Earlier this week, they visited the Charminar during a heritage walk on May 13 and explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district on May 14.
The Miss World 2025 event, which began on May 10 in Hyderabad, will continue until May 31, offering numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and global visibility for Telangana.