Rousing welcome accorded to Femina Miss India contestants
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 07 2023:
All the 30 contestants of the 59th edition of Femina Miss India arrived here on Friday for the grand finale of the beauty pageant to be held on April 15 at Indoor stadium, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
Led by a team of Femina Miss India organiser, the contestants landed at Imphal international airport at 11.30am.An official team of Tourism Department led by director W Ibohal and cultural troupes accorded a warm reception to the contestants.
All the contestants were crowned with Manipuri traditional headgear locally named 'Kajenglei' at the airport and then transported till Hotel Classic Grande at Chingmeirong under adequate security arrangement.
The state's tourism department is hosting the mega beauty pageant for the first time ever.
Strela Luwang Thounaojam from Uripok Bachaspati Leikai, who is representing Manipur in the pageant, has already bagged two sub titles in preliminary rounds held in Mumbai.
Elated over the warm reception accorded to all the participants, Strela told media persons that she is fortunate to take part in the Femina Miss India beauty pageant and feels proud when all the contestants were accorded a warm reception with cultural troupes at Imphal airport.
It is quite challenging to compete with 29 other contestants from different states, she said, adding that she realised the need for exposing her real identity at the event.
All the contestants were also accorded a warm reception at Hotel Classic Grande with cultural troupes.
Manipur is the first northeast state to host the grand finale of the beauty pageant.
Welcoming the beauty queens in the state, CM N Biren Singh said, "Extending a hearty welcome to all the contestants of Femina Miss India to the Jewel of India, the Land of Culture, and powerhouse of Indian sports, Manipur" .
"With the Grand Finale of Femina Miss India happening in Manipur, I hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful State and carry the message of goodwill, friendliness and the warm hospitality of Manipur on your departure, " CM Biren Singh added.
The grand finale will feature 30 state winners competing for the coveted crown.
The winner will represent India at the Miss World pageant.
The star-studded night will feature performances by the entertainment industry's biggest names Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan.
The show will be anchored by the magnetic Maniesh Paul and the stunning Bhumi Pednekar.
The state winners Will be walking the ramp in gorgeous ensembles designed by the iconic designers Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura, and a special showcase by Robert Naorem, featuring traditional costumes.
The 30 state winners shall be judged by a panel consisting of Femina Miss India Universe 2002 and Mentor Neha Dhupia, boxing icon Laishram Sarita Devi, and designers Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura.
Some of the former and the reigning Miss India winners will also be putting up a dance performance through a fashion segment.
On November 21,2022 the Manipur government and Times Group had announced that the 59th Femina Miss India grand finale will be hosted in Manipur.
(With inputs from agencies) .