The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant officially began on an alluring note at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium last evening in Hyderabad, with a vibrant showcase of Telangana’s cultural heritage. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy declared the event open after it started with the State anthem in the presence of Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organisation Julia Morley and reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková. Models participated in a catwalk parade where each Miss World contestant carried their national flag into the Gachibowli stadium.

 

The opening ceremony was a colourful spectacle of folk and tribal dance traditions from across Telangana, choreographed in a parade-style presentation that celebrated the region’s rich cultural roots. A standout moment was a powerful performance of Perini Natyam by 250 children, setting the tone for the evening. Contestants from over 110 countries entered the arena in four continent-based groups, each welcomed with traditional music and dance. A Kommu Koya band led the procession, beginning with contestants from the Americas and the Caribbean.

 

They were followed by contestants from Africa, greeted with a performance by the Gond tribe. The European delegates were welcomed with the spirited Lambadi dance, and the group from Asia and Oceania, including India’s representative Nandini Gupta, entered to the beats of the Oggu Dolu. The ceremony culminated with a flag parade, where each contestant carried her national flag into the stadium. The Miss World finale is scheduled to take place on May 31 in Hyderabad.