Hyderabad lit up on Saturday as the 72nd Miss World pageant officially began with a dazzling opening ceremony. The event welcomed 116 contestants from around the globe, each representing their country in the race for the coveted Miss World crown.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy opened the event in the presence of Miss World CEO Julia Morley and the reigning titleholder, Krystyna Piyszkova. The grand event celebrated beauty, culture, and international unity.
The contestants wowed the audience with a vibrant flag parade, each carrying their national flag with pride. Their elegant presence and confident walks drew loud cheers from the crowd.
The night was a tribute to Telangana's rich heritage, brilliantly blending tradition and modern beauty. The audience enjoyed powerful dance performances including Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Perini, and Kathak, accompanied by traditional drums and festive instruments.
The show began with a soulful rendition of the Telangana state anthem, “Jai Telangana.” A 50-member choir, trained by legendary singer Komanduri Ramachari, opened the evening with this powerful performance.
Each contestant took the stage with a symbol of Telangana’s culture. A standout moment was the Perini Lasya dance, performed by 250 women artists led by Perini Sandeep. The choreography, paired with music by Phani Narayana, formed stunning visuals like stars, butterflies, and even the Miss World logo, celebrating themes of empowerment, elegance, and tradition.
The cultural journey continued with tribal art and dance. The Sri Ramakrishna group impressed with Kommu Koya traditions from the Godavari region. This was followed by colorful Gond art from Adilabad, performed by Katle Sridhar’s troupe, surrounded by contestants in ethnic wear.
Before the European contestants appeared, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar artists brought the beats of Telangana’s folk music to life. Banjara women, guided by Swapna, showcased their vibrant tribal dance.
The powerful Oggudolu performance by Ch Ravi Kumar’s group, representing the Kuruma community, added a rural touch to the evening. The event ended with a grand fusion dance that combined all the traditional art forms in a spectacular finale.
The Telangana government planned the entire opening event to reflect the state’s artistic pride and hospitality. The goal was clear — to celebrate both beauty and culture on a global stage.
The final group of contestants, from Asia and Oceania, received loud applause. India’s own contestant, Nandini Gupta, received a warm welcome as she walked the ramp with grace and confidence.
Each of the 116 participants made their entrance with their national flag, symbolizing a united message of global peace and friendship.
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism, praised the contestants for promoting peace. He encouraged them to act as global ambassadors of harmony.
Krystyna Piyszkova, the current Miss World, shared her thoughts, saying Telangana feels like home to her. She expressed hope that every contestant would use their voice to inspire and represent their people.
With such a grand beginning, Hyderabad is now firmly in the global spotlight, hosting one of the most anticipated beauty events of the year.
