Hyderabad (Commonwealth Union)_ As part of their enriching journey across India, contestants of the Miss World 2025 pageant are experiencing Telangana’s cultural tapestry and sacred heritage. The international beauty ambassadors, currently touring the state, are actively engaging in local traditions and visiting iconic landmarks as part of a global promotion initiative led by the Telangana government. The beauty pageant finalists from across the world immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Pochampally village, internationally recognized as the ‘Best World Tourism Village’ by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
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Known for its handwoven Ikat sarees, Pochampally offered the visitors a glimpse into its artistic soul. The contestants received a traditional welcome and were fascinated by live demonstrations of the intricate weaving process. Several participants eagerly attempted to spin cotton using traditional wheels. The village amphitheater came alive as local women presented a fashion show in Ikat and other handloom sarees, earning loud cheers and admiration from the guests. Folk music added rhythm to the event, with performances on traditional Telangana instruments like the kinnera and dappu. The contestants danced to the beats and attempted to play the instruments, adding joyful spontaneity to the cultural exchange. They also enjoyed getting mehendi tattoos applied by local artists and posed for photographs in their festive looks.
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In another significant cultural visit, Miss World contestants from nine countries arrived at the revered Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Yadagirigutta dressed in elegant sarees. Guided through the temple’s spiritual history, the contestants participated in Deeparadhana (lamp-lighting ritual) and received blessings from temple priests after a serene darshan of the deity. The visit ended with the group joining local women in a lively Kolaatam (stick dance), deepening their cultural engagement. As part of the state’s strategic vision to boost tourism and attract international investment, the Telangana government is leveraging the global reach of the Miss World 2025 platform. Additionally, the contestants’ itinerary also includes several key sites aimed at highlighting Telangana’s diverse appeal.
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On May 13, the group took part in a heritage walk at the historic Charminar, followed by a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple, a 13th-century architectural gem named after its master sculptor. The journey continued to the renowned Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio complex, where a red carpet welcome complete with live music, motimala garlands, and a traditional aarti created a truly cinematic moment. Demonstrating the state’s emphasis on technological progress and safety, the contestants also visited the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) in Hyderabad. Here, they witnessed the state’s cutting-edge public safety infrastructure, aligning with the pageant’s emphasis on empowerment and global citizenship.
Furthermore, the Miss World 2025 contestants also explored the 700-year-old Banyan tree in Mahabubnagar and visited the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), a reputed medical institution in Hyderabad. This initiative underscores the government’s goal of promoting Telangana as a leading destination for global healthcare and tourism. The Miss World 2025 pageant officially commenced in Hyderabad on May 10 and will run through May 31, marking a landmark cultural celebration for the state.
