Miss World 2025 contestants to embark on heritage walk at Charminar today
Hyderabad: As part of the Miss World 2025 events being hosted in Hyderabad, 109 contestants from across the globe will participate in a special Heritage Walk at the iconic Charminar today, May 13. Arriving in four specially arranged buses, the international contestants will be welcomed with traditional Marfa music, a cultural hallmark of the Old City.
A photo session has been planned at Charminar, showcasing the contestants alongside the historic monument. Following this, the group will head to Laad Bazaar (Chudi Bazaar) for a curated shopping experience. They are scheduled to visit nine renowned stores known for their traditional bangles, pearls, and ornamental items, Hyderabad Bangles, Mujeeb Bangles, Kanhaiyalal, Motilal Karwa, Gokuldas Zariwala, K.R. Kasat, Jaju Pearls, A.H. Zariwala, and Afzal Miya Karchobwale.
The contestants will also witness live demonstrations of bangle-making techniques, offering them insight into Hyderabad’s artisanal heritage.
Later in the evening, they will be hosted at the historic Chowmahalla Palace for a cultural program. The schedule includes a mehendi ceremony and an opportunity for the participants to wear traditional Nizami attire. Curated films on Telangana’s cultural and tourist highlights will be screened, and the group will explore Nizam-era exhibits, including ancient weapons, household items, and royal artifacts.
Officials from various departments have coordinated extensive preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of this prestigious international event.
Buddha Purnima Spiritual Tour Held Ahead of Charminar Visit
On the eve of Buddha Purnima, May 12, contestants from the Asian and Oceanic regions of the Miss World 2025 pageant took part in a spiritual tour of Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar in Nalgonda district. The visit highlighted Telangana’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and spiritual legacy.
The day began with a brief stop at a guest house near Chintapalli, followed by a photo session at Vijay Vihar with the Nagarjunasagar reservoir as a backdrop. The delegation then toured Buddhavanam, a 279-acre Buddhist theme park developed by the Telangana government as part of an integrated Buddhist Circuit.
Guided by officials from the Archaeology Department, the contestants visited the Mahastupa, known for its intricate carvings, and explored thematic areas such as Buddhacharitha Vanam, Jataka Park, Dhyana Vanam, and Stupa Vanam. They also toured the Buddhist Heritage Museum, which displays relics and sculptural panels from the life of the Buddha.
A meditative session was held within the Great Stupa, followed by a Baillikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja performed by 25 Buddhist monks. The visit concluded with a theatrical performance depicting key episodes from Buddha’s life.
Dr. Shivanagi Reddy, representing the Archaeology and Tourism Department, described Buddhavanam as a testament to India’s Buddhist legacy and its message of peace.
Julia Morley CBE, Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organization, expressed her appreciation, saying, “It is inspiring to see the contestants engaging with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Telangana. This experience reflects the deeper values the Miss World Festival seeks to celebrate.”
The contestants returned to Hyderabad after the visit and are set to continue their cultural exploration today with the Heritage Walk and royal evening at Chowmahalla Palace.
