Beauty pageants have truly changed the lives of countless aspiring divas. These events gather beauty queens from over 80 nations and give them the opportunity to represent their country and showcase their talent. The national costume competition is one of the most culturally diverse aspects of these pageants. During the show, each candidate has a few seconds to exhibit the beauty of their country, what makes it special, and what they are most proud of. Given how culturally rich India is, our desi beauty queens have frequently performed admirably in this round!
Let’s take a look at the best national costumes worn by our Indian divas at beauty pageants:
Divita Rai (2023)
Divita Rai stunned everyone at Miss Universe 2023 in an outfit designed by Abhishek Sharma. The ensemble symbolised Sone Ki Chidiya, an ethereal depiction of India as the golden bird, a symbol of the wealth of our vast cultural heritage as well as the spiritual essence of living in harmony and diversity. The ensemble had a gold choli, a white and gold lehenga, and two massive gold wings that flapped as she walked the runway. Iconic!
Navdeep Kaur (2022)
Navdeep Kaur won the Best National Costume at the renowned Mrs World 2022 pageant in Nevada, Las Vegas. The avant-garde outfit was inspired by the Kundalini Chakra, which “symbolises the movement of energy in the chakras of the body from the base to the spine up through the crown.” The cobra ornaments on her shoulder reflect the “mystical serpent native to India,” while the gold colour represents novelty, power, and glory. Stunning, right?
Shivani Jadhav (2019)
Shivani Jadhav represented the Kathputli culture of India with her national costume at Femina Miss Grand India 2019. To reflect the hidden Kathputli stage and its intricacies, the outfit was adorned in traditional Rajasthani mirror work and hand embroidery, as well as a big crinoline skirt. The icing on the cake was the matka balancing on the head, precisely like in the Matka Rajasthani folk dance. Every aspect and design was a tribute to the Rajasthani folk.
Meenakshi Chaudhary (2018)
At Femina Miss India 2018, Meenakshi Chaudhary’s national costume was dedicated to her late father, Col. B.R. Chaudhary, who once said that if war is out of mind, it will be out of sight. The outfit represented the power and gentleness of the Indian Elephant. It depicted a whimsical story of a peace prayer delivered through a picturesque portrayal of Mughal Empire marble art and architecture. Made from woven silk and metal thread textiles, it depicted the national flower, the lotus, reflecting the beauty of ahimsa (nonviolence) that may grow even in a swamp of opposing thoughts. Chills—literal chills!
Gayatri Bhardwaj (2018)
Gayatri Bhardwaj took everyone by surprise as she walked the runway of Miss India United Continents in her national costume, which was a salute to “the magic of the Gayatri Mantra.” Melvyn Noronha designed the costume, which showed five Indian dancers in flames, representing their spiritual journey, with colours signifying the elements. It also had ‘titlis’ (butterflies) and the national animal, the tiger, to symbolise how the prayer may be peaceful like a butterfly but powerful like a tiger.
Gail Nicole Da Silva (2014)
Gail Nicole Da Silva, a Goa-based model who finished third in the Femina Miss India 2014 competition, won the Best National Costume title at Miss United Continent 2014, thanks to the creative dome-style saree designed by Melvyn Noronha. The designer chose the theme “Carnival of Indian Toys and Festivals.” It beautifully showed the vibrancy and diversity of our country, and Nicole pulled the difficult look off with so much grace.
Srishti Rana (2013)
Miss Asia Pacific World 2013, Srishti Rana, also slayed it at the national costume round. She walked the runway in a turquoise green gown drenched in shimmer, representing India’s national bird, the peacock. She accessorised with a one-of-a-kind headpiece and authentic peacock feathers on her back. The ensemble was so perfectly put together that she won the award for Best National Costume.
Indian beauty queens have always done a phenomenal job when it comes to their national costumes at beauty pageants. After all, our culture is so rich and diverse that there is always something lovely to display!
Feature Image: Pinterest
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