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The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Miss World 2025 contestants soak in Telangana's cultural tapestry at Bhoodan Pochampally
As the last rays of the sun turned the horizon golden on Thursday evening, the Telangana Tourism Park in Bhoodan Pochampally transformed into a vibrant stage of colours, culture, and celebration, welcoming 22 Miss World 2025 contestants from the African continent. The contestants arrived to a traditional reception, with each being presented a Pochampally shawl or stole, a symbolic gesture that set the tone for an evening rooted in local heritage. A red carpet lined the pathway through the beautifully-decorated park, with floral arrangements adding a festive flair to the setting. The spotlight of the evening was on Pochampally's world-renowned Ikat saris. The contestants learnt the intricacies of the weaving process, closely observing artisans at work and even trying their hand at spinning yarn using rattan. Dressed in bright Ratnam attire and adorned with mehendi, the contestants immersed themselves in the experience, blending tradition with elegance. Adding rhythm to the occasion were the captivating beats of traditional Kinnera and Dappu instruments. Enthralled by the music, many contestants joined in, some even taking to the instruments and dancing joyfully to their tunes. The interaction with artisans extended to a vibrant marketplace, where stalls selling Ikat items saw eager buyers among the group. Though the women came dressed in their own styles, they all left wearing a piece of Pochampally's iconic handloom. Addressing the gathering, Yadadri Bhongir District Collector Hanumantha Rao said, 'This village holds immense importance not just for Telangana but all of India. Our weaver community not only weaves with thread but with heart, history, and heritage. Pochampally's Ikat received a GI tag in 2004, and in 2021, the village was recognised as one of the best tourism villages.' Echoing the sentiment, local MLA Kumbam Anil Kumar Reddy noted, 'Pochampally is a historic city of weavers. The fact that it has Padma awardees among its residents speaks volumes about its legacy.' The evening also featured a ramp walk, with models donning elegant Pochampally handlooms. The showcase drew admiration from all, with both contestants and visitors captivated by the grace and artistry on display. In a parallel cultural visit, 35 Miss World contestants, representing the Caribbean and Americas regions, visited Yadagirigutta temple. A special puja was performed in their honour, adding a spiritual dimension to their Telangana experience.
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Grandeur in the air as Miss World hopefuls soak in Kakatiya heritage
MULUGU/WARANGAL/HANAMKONDA: From serene Yadadri to spiritual Nagarjunasagar, the Miss World 2025 cultural trail moved to a majestic crescendo on Wednesday with 50 contestants visiting the historic Ramappa Temple in Mulugu and the iconic monuments in Warangal and Hanamkonda. At Ramappa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — 33 contestants from the Americas and Europe were welcomed with Kommu Koya drums and a red-carpet ritual, including a traditional foot-washing ceremony. Dressed in elegant Ikat half sarees, the contestants joined a pooja and explored the temple, marvelling at its intricate carvings. They were especially captivated by a stone that allows a needle to pass through 13 precise gaps — a marvel of Kakatiya craftsmanship. The evening unfolded with a dance recital led by Prof Alekhya Punjala, portraying Rani Rudrama Devi's legacy, followed by a powerful Perini Shiva Tandavam by 60 artistes. A light-and-sound show illuminated the temple's timeless grandeur, immersing visitors in its history. Emcee Kavya added interactive flair, teaching classical mudras and drawing cheers. Contestants left not just impressed, but transformed, carrying home memories of Telangana's cultural richness. Minister Dansari Anasuya alias Seethakka felicitated the guests, capping a night that wove heritage, hospitality and grace into a memorable celebration.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
If I'd memorised saree names like my sis, I'd be a judge
My relationship with sarees is passionate… but like all passionate things, slightly chaotic. I adore them. I admire their weaves, their weight, their sweep as I walk past a mirror. But ask me what kind of saree I'm wearing, and I usually look blank. 'Wow! Beautiful saree… what's it called?' a colleague once asked, eyeing the leafy green one I had on. 'Um… cotton?' I ventured, with the confidence of a student bluffing through an exam. My sister, who was on a video call later that day, nearly choked on her tea. 'That's a Mangalgiri, you silly noodle!' she exclaimed. Ah yes. Of course. Mangalgiri. A name I instantly forgot again five minutes later. You see, my sister is a walking, talking loomopedia. She can identify an Uppada from across the room. She can spot a fake Kanjeevaram like a jeweller spots glass. She once corrected a saree seller in Odisha mid-sentence and ended up getting a discount for 'expertise.' I, meanwhile, am still trying to remember whether it's Ikkat or Ikat… and what a Bomkai even looks like. Sarees are like songs to me… I might forget their names or the exact raga, but I can hum them with heart… and I always remember how they made me feel. My wardrobe is kind of a colourful mess of all the gorgeous weaves and fabrics India has to offer. There's a deep maroon one that crackles like fire when I move… I call it 'that Diwali sari'. There's a faded blue I wear when I want to feel like a breeze… 'the beachy one'. And there's a rich mustard-and-black beauty that I only wear on days I feel unstoppable… 'Boss Lady sari'. No one tell me it's actually a Chanderi… I don't want to ruin the nickname. In fact, I am my own boss. Then another one, I really don't know what saree it is… but I named it 'Happening Saree.' This drives my sister nuts. 'That's a Patola from Gujarat! Do you even know how it's made?' 'Nope,' I smile. 'But I do know it makes me feel like I can win a courtroom drama single-handedly.' She rolls her eyes. I shrug. It's our thing. Sometimes I tell her, 'If I had memorised saree names the way you have, I'd have become a judge or a magistrate by now!' And then I laugh wholeheartedly, while she mutters something about wasted potential and museum tours. Every few weeks, I call her while folding my sarees and hold them up like I'm about to take some saree quiz I never studied for. 'This one?' 'Tussar from Bhagalpur.' 'And this?' 'Kota Doria, obviously!' I nod like I've learnt something life-altering… and then promptly forget it all by the next festive season. But here's the thing: I may not always remember the name of the weave, but I remember how it felt. I wore the blue one when my story made the front page. Or maybe it was the gold one. Either way, I felt like a queen that day. The pale yellow one I wore when I met someone I didn't expect to like, but ended up loving. The unusual printed cotton I wore through an unforgettable summer… 2019 I think, and a string of quiet, eventual little wins. Then there's the creamy silk with a light green border, an heirloom from Maa's family loom. I wore it at Siddhi's place, where I met friends who have since become like family. To me, that's the real magic of a saree… not the name or the label, but the life it lives with you. So yes, I will continue to forget names and mess up pronunciations. Is it Paithani or Pochampally that has the peacocks? I can never keep it straight. Maybe both? Who knows… my sister, probably. And I think Benarasi is a mood, not a place. But hey, I'll still do it all… wrapped up in six yards of whatever confidence and grace I can manage. And if anyone asks me what I'm wearing? I'll just say, 'Grace.'
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- The Hindu
Discover the culinary heritage of Odisha and Southeast Asia at Jaatra, Taj Puri
Stepping inside Jaatra, the specialty restaurant of the newly-inaugurated Taj Puri Resort and Spa, feels like being transported into a beautifully-crafted time capsule. One that narrates the story of Odisha's culinary heritage while paying homage to its Southeast Asian connections. Located at the beachside Taj Puri Resort and Spa in Odisha's temple town of Puri, Jaatra celebrates not just food, but a fascinating piece of history: the ancient maritime voyages of the Kalinga dynasty that once connected Odisha to distant shores of Southeast Asia. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the resort is a blend of heritage and indulgence, with one of its most treasured features being the wheel of the Jagannath Puri Yatra, acquired through an auction after the grand annual chariot festival. The resort's architecture draws inspiration from the Kalinga style, with interiors fashioned from traditional Khondalite and laterite stone. Layered with Odisha's artistic heritage, the space is adorned with intricate Pattachitra motifs, Ikat weaves and earthy terracotta accents. Fusion of flavours As I settle into my seat at Jaatra, I am drawn to the decor which is a fusion of traditional and the contemporary. Above me, the is ceiling adorned with circular fishing baskets, the kind still used by local fishermen in the backwaters. An entire wall depicts intricate maps of historical voyages, tracing the ancient paths that once linked Odisha with Bali, Sri Lanka, and beyond, nearly 2,000 years ago during the famed Bali Jatra. Curated by Roopali Mohanti, whose vision brought the Taj group to Puri, and chef Sabyasachi Gorai, her partner-in-culinary-exploration since their Institute of Hotel Management Kolkata days, Jaatra's menu is a symphony of stories. I begin my culinary journey with the steamed manda pitha dumpling. Unlike the traditional sweet version filled with coconut and jaggery, here, executive chef Biswarup Chatterjee has given it a savoury twist of soya-based meat, lemongrass and kaffir lime. The texture is soft, while the lemony undertone adds a brightness to the bite. Next comes the Ayam Goreng, an Indonesian-Malaysian fried chicken dish, reimagined to give an interesting taste. It is served crusted in flattened rice, alongside a bean paste dip. The presentation is a visual tribute to the palm trees that dot Odisha's coastline, making it almost too beautiful to eat. Then arrives the chicken patra poda. Served wrapped in sal leaf, the wood-fired chicken is seasoned with a delectable masala mix, each bite balanced with a side of cool cucumber and sweet potato mash. Black and white chicken dumplings follow. These are curried chicken dumplings that hit the perfect note between Indian warmth and Southeast Asian spice. Each morsel is delicate yet packed with flavour, a reminder of how borders blur when it comes to good food. For the main course, I try the khmer sea bass amok, a Cambodian classic brought to life with lemongrass, basil, bird's eye chilli, coconut milk, ginger-garlic paste, a hint of malt vinegar, and sesame. The sea bass has been steamed to tender perfection, and the broth is heady and aromatic. I also try the jackfruit kasa bao. Here, tender jackfruit is slow-cooked with spices and stuffed into pillowy bao buns, topped with vadi chura (crushed lentil fritters) and a sharp mango chutney. It is a playful, earthy dish, though I do miss the meaty flavours. The chhatu mulligatawny stew feels like a warm hug. It has mushrooms and tofu, served with delicate string hoppers. A hearty yet light, spiced stew. How can I leave without a sweet ending? First up is Textures of Coffee, a celebration of Koraput coffee of Odisha. Crunchy, creamy and intense all at once, it is an ode to the bean. And then, in a twist on tradition, the chenapoda cheesecake. The rustic caramelised flavours of Odisha's popular chenapoda has been reimagined as a silky, delicate cheesecake. It is familiar yet new, the perfect metaphor for my experience at Jaatra. Soon, Jaatra will unveil a cocktail bar and menu, adding another layer to its evolving narrative of flavours and storytelling. Open for dinner at the Taj Puri Resort and Spa. (The writer was in Puri on the invitation of Taj Puri Resort and Spa).
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Telangana gears up for fusion of faith, fashion
NALGONDA: On May 12, Nagarjunasagar's tranquil Buddhist sites will shimmer with a rare fusion of spirituality and stardust as Miss World delegates descend upon its sacred grounds. Amid hurried renovations at the VIP Vijaya Vihar guesthouse, the stage is set for 140 nations to witness Telangana's heritage. Three days later, the journey continues in Bhoodan Pochampally, where vibrant Ikat sarees will dazzle on a global ramp, weaving handloom legacy into the pageant's fabric before spiritual rituals at Yadagirigutta temple elevate this cultural symphony. The event will see participation from young women representing 140 countries, along with around 3,000 national and international media representatives. As part of their itinerary to explore various tourist destinations across the state, the delegates will arrive at Nagarjunasagar, where they are scheduled to visit Buddhavanam and Nagarjunakonda. The visit is part of the Miss World competition being organised by the Telangana Tourism department in Hyderabad from May 7 to 31. With only a few days left for the event, renovation works at Vijaya Vihar are progressing at a brisk pace. Painting, installation of new AC units, renovation of toilets, new electrical wiring, drainage work and other upgrades are currently underway. In addition, a road is being constructed from the Nagarjunasagar main road to Vijaya Vihar. The government has allocated `5 crore for these works, and officials have stated that all tasks will be completed within the next three days. Last month, Tourism department Managing Director Prakash Reddy, along with District Collector Ila Tripathi, inspected the preparations. During a review meeting, they instructed officials to develop the tourist sites in a way that showcases Telangana's rich culture and traditions to national and international audiences. Ikat fashion show planned The Miss World contestants will also travel from Hyderabad to Bhoodan Pochampally on May 15 to visit a handloom-themed area. Officials said the contestants are expected to participate in a ramp show wearing Pochampally Ikat sarees. Following the show, the contestants, adorned in traditional sarees, will proceed to Yadagirigutta. They will first arrive at the Presidential Suite located at the foot of the hill, and from there, perform Sankalpa pujas at Vishnu Pushkarini and participate in Akhanda Deeparadhana pujas near the main temple. After seeking the blessings of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, they will inspect the reconstruction works at the main temple. Sources said a documentary will also be filmed during the visit. It is anticipated that the visit of the Miss World contestants will significantly enhance the global profile of the Yadagirigutta temple.
