Miss World Contestants Soak in Telangana Culture

HYDERABAD: A group of 40 European Miss World contestants visited Shilparamam on Thursday morning, getting a first-hand experience of Telangana’s arts and craft heritage. The visit, which was originally scheduled on Wednesday evening but later postponed due to rain, is one of the main components of the ongoing 72nd Miss World Festival being held in Hyderabad.

The delegates received a traditional welcome with Nadaswaram music and marigold garlands. After the reception, they moved through the Village Museum and explored various artisan stalls. They viewed life-sized models of rural homes and spoke with craftspeople about their work. During a celebration akin to Bathukamma, some contestants joined the circle around the flower arrangements and took part in the dance that celebrates womanhood.

Workshops were organised at the Brundavanam Craft Experience Zone. Each delegate chose one of three traditional activities and spent about 10 to 15 minutes learning the process. Some shaped clay into simple forms during a pottery session. Others painted Cheriyal masks. A few tried their hand at basket weaving using locally sourced natural fibres. Local artisans guided each group through the steps involved.

Later, a short presentation introduced the delegates to women from Self Help Groups. The women explained how community-driven craft initiatives had improved their incomes and sustained local art forms. At the end of the programme, organisers presented each contestant with a handcrafted gift hamper.

Shilparamam, located in Hitec City, was built as a permanent space for folk performances and craft exhibitions. The Miss World visit forms part of a broader effort to bring global attention to Telangana tourism offerings.