Miss World 2025 contestants to visit Buddhavanam at Nagarjuna Sagar today
Hyderabad: Authorities in Telangana have completed all necessary arrangements at Buddhavanam, located near Nagarjuna Sagar, ahead of a visit by contestants of the Miss World 2025 pageant currently underway in Hyderabad.
On Monday, May 12, 2025, around 30 contestants from various countries will travel from Hyderabad to Nalgonda district as part of a cultural tour. The group will make a brief stop at a guest house near Chintapalli before proceeding to Vijay Vihar for a photo session. They will then arrive at Buddhavanam.
At the Mahastupa, the contestants will be welcomed with a traditional Lambadi dance performed by 24 Lambadi (Banjara) artists. A photo session will be held with the Great Stupa in the background.
Officials from the Archaeology Department will guide the contestants through the site, explaining the historical and cultural significance of the Mahastupa. A meditation session is also planned at the stupa. Additionally, 25 Buddhist monks will conduct the Bailikuppa Maha Bodhi puja at the site.
The visit will continue with a tour of Jataka Vanam (Jataka Park), where Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy from the Archaeology and Tourism Departments will explain the significance of the park. The evening will feature a cultural performance by 18 artists depicting the life of the Buddha. After dinner, the group will return to Hyderabad.
The Miss World Festival officially began on May 10 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, where more than 110 contestants participated in the inauguration ceremony. Each contestant carried her national flag during a cultural parade. Miss India, 19-year-old Nandita Gupta, led the procession in traditional attire.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Miss World Chairperson Julia Morley opened the festival, describing it as a celebration of peace, unity, and cultural exchange. The evening featured performances representing Telangana’s traditions, including Perini, Kommu Koya, Lambada, and Oggu Dolu dances.
Reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková spoke about the responsibilities of the contestants and encouraged them to use the platform to represent their communities.
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture Department, called the event a proud moment for Telangana and highlighted the message of peace and shared humanity.
The Miss World 2025 itinerary in Telangana includes heritage walks, cultural visits, and charitable events, culminating in the crowning ceremony on May 31.
Global Beauty Pageant Contestants to Explore Buddhist Heritage Site near Nagarjuna Sagar
As part of their cultural tour in India, several participants of the global beauty pageant being held in Hyderabad will visit the prominent Buddhist site, Buddhavanam, near Nagarjuna Sagar… pic.twitter.com/ZmItYFjiLo
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) May 12, 2025
