Imphal, December 19 2008: WITH THE theme Peace through Culture and Identity, the much awaited the first ever Seven Sisters Miss Barak 2008 contest was held at this hill station at Senapati football ground this evening.

Manicharenamei, Manipur's Lok Sabha member from outer parliamentary constituency formally opened the beauty pageant at this hill station,60 km north of Imphal with a colourful evening programs.

Maharajah of Tripura who was supposed to attend the beauty pageant as the chief guest failed to turn up tonight.

However, besides MP, MLA Awangbou Newmai of Tamei assembly constituency in Manipur's Tamenglong district and prominent poumai leader Loli Adanee who had contested the last parliamentary election on a BJP ticket also attended as guests of the show.

Only about 15 beauties including Nagaland's former beauty queen and Miss Photogenic title holder in NE beauty contest-Anita Lama and fourof her companions against the expected numbers took part in the test of 'beauty and brain' tonight.

Braving the chill wintry wind of Senapati town, beautiful belles of the region took the ramp as part of their introduction round of the event in front of a panel of five judges who works in diverse fields.

The judges include noted Economics Professor Amar Yumnam of Manipur Univeraity, Legendary singer Laishram Mema, President of Kuki Mothers' Association Rose Mangshy and Senior Journalist N Ibungochoubi and an Assam Rifles Commandent.

The introductory round lasted till 8 pm tonight was witnessed by acolourful crowd of little over 2000 despite the cold pre-Christmas weather in the hill town, it added.

According to the organizers, this year's beauty pageant theme is an all inclusive attempt not only to showcase the beautiful people of the Northeast but also to find out 'the' lady from among the bevy of delightful women, representing all the states in the region.

"We believe that it is through a comprehensive understanding of this beauty that will create a sense of togetherness among the people in the region with the exchange of cultural activities" an organiser felt.

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