Latest news with #RamappaTemple
Hans India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
CM 's vision makes Miss World 2025 a spectacle of global grandeur
In an electrifying crescendo of lights, elegance, and emotion, Hyderabad etched its name into global history as the radiant heart of the 72nd Miss World Festival. The climactic moment arrived at the opulent HITEX Exhibition Centre, where Opal Suchata Chauangsri of Thailand was crowned Miss World 2025, bringing to a close a month-long odyssey that transcended borders and boundaries. As Krystyna Pyszková of Czech Republic, the 71st Miss World, gracefully passed the crown to her successor, the arena erupted in thunderous applause. Opal stood in a halo of stardust — a beacon of hope, elegance, and purpose — embodying the very soul of the Miss World ethos. This was more than a pageant. It was a historic moment of cultural diplomacy, meticulously brought to life by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, whose visionary leadership transformed an ambitious dream into an unforgettable global celebration. Under his stewardship, Hyderabad — the land of pearls, palaces, and poetic heritage — became the epicenter of the world's gaze, welcoming over 108 contestants from across the globe into its cultural heart. The Miss World pageant in Telangana was a triumph not just of aesthetics, but of purpose, intellect, and international unity. The festival began with a spectacular opening ceremony at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, resonating with the powerful state anthem 'Jaya Jaya Hey', followed by a majestic Perini dance performance by 250 artists — a powerful tribute to Telangana's classical roots. A dazzling flag parade showcased 108 contestants in their national costumes, painting a vivid portrait of global diversity. The presence of Miss World Chairperson Julia Morley alongside Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted a symbolic confluence of tradition and progress. The anthem 'Telangana Zaroor Aana' reverberated across the arena, affirming the state's emergence as a vibrant cultural and investment destination. Contestants were immersed in a rich itinerary that blended heritage with hospitality. From the serene spiritual vibes of Buddhavanam to a mesmerizing heritage walk through Charminar and Laad Bazaar, the soul of Telangana unfolded at every turn. The grandeur of Chowmahalla Palace, lit under starlit skies, provided a Nizami backdrop to their royal experience. Historical marvels like the Ramappa Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and Warangal Fort evoked awe, telling stories of the Kakatiya dynasty's engineering genius. In Pochampally, delegates from Africa experienced the intricate beauty of Ikat weaving, while the 700-year-old banyan tree at Pillalamarri echoed with Bathukamma rhythms and folklore. Meanwhile, Caribbean delegates found spiritual resonance at Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadagirigutta, while modern Telangana unfolded before others at AIG Hospitals, showcasing the state's medical tourism excellence. At Experium Eco Park, europeans sustainable fashion became a canvas of innovation and environmental consciousness. The Miss World Sports Challenge brought energy and camaraderie to Gachibowli, where strength and sisterhood triumphed. At Ramoji Film City, contestants stepped into a cinematic wonderland, walking among majestic sets that embody India's storytelling magic. At the Integrated Police Command and Control Centre, delegates witnessed Telangana's fusion of AI and civic service — a model of secure, compassionate governance. The visit to the Secretariat was marked by cultural performances, drone shows, and a solemn tribute to Telangana Talli, portraying a governance model grounded in humanity and vision. Inside T-Hub, Telangana's temple of innovation, the contestants presented their 'Beauty with a Purpose' projects — powerful campaigns on mental health, education, environmental protection, and women's empowerment. The room became a sanctuary of ideas, where beauty met bold action, and purpose met progress. In Shilparamam, contestants explored Telangana's rich craftsmanship — weaving baskets, molding clay, and painting alongside local artisans. Their journey culminated at Shilpakala Vedika for the Talent Finale, where creativity lit up the stage. From Miss India's dynamic Garba to Kenya's energetic DJ set and Indonesia's soulful piano piece, the night resonated with passion and global unity. From the moment delegates arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Telangana embraced them with warmth and precision. A vibrant traditional welcome, luxury accommodation at Trident Hotel, seamless transportation, and curated culinary experiences — all spoke of the state's meticulous planning and boundless hospitality. The Tourism and Police Departments ensured fool-proof security throughout, while a highly efficient back-end team flawlessly managed food, logistics, cutlery, and protocols. Every detail reflected Telangana's unwavering commitment to excellence, grace, and global standards. The HITEX Exhibition Centre, transformed into a realm of haute couture and classical aesthetics, became the final stage of dreams and destiny. Amid global media attention and architectural brilliance, Telangana shone — not just as a host, but as a symbol of unity, beauty, and purpose. CM Revanth Reddy's dream wasn't just to host Miss World — it was to redefine Telangana's place on the world stage. Through this majestic endeavor, Telangana didn't just host the world — it became the world, radiating confidence, culture, and cosmopolitan grace. As the crown was gently placed upon Opal Suchata, it wasn't just a victory for one contestant — it was a triumph for Telangana, for India, and for a visionary Chief Minister whose unwavering resolve made the extraordinary possible. Economists may measure the event's impact in investment numbers and tourism booms — but its true legacy lies in the hearts it touched, the stories it created, and the global bonds it nurtured. The 72nd Miss World wasn't just a festival. It was a crowned triumph of vision, culture, and global unity — a memory etched in gold for generations to come. (The writer is Asst. Director, CPRO TO CM Team)
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: Video of Indian women helping Miss World 2025 contestants wash their feet sparks outrage online
During a recent temple visit, international contestants were filmed having their feet washed by local Indian women. Image: X/@PDilip_kumar As the Miss World pageant rolls through India with a lavish cultural itinerary, one moment from Telangana has left a sour aftertaste. During a recent temple visit, international contestants were filmed having their feet washed not by themselves, but with the help of local Indian women. The visuals, taken during a tour of the Ramappa Temple and the Thousand Pillar Temple, two of the most significant heritage sites in Telangana, have become a talking point across social platforms. Over 100 contestants had been invited to experience local customs as part of their journey ahead of the grand finale taking place on Saturday, May 31. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Volunteers were tasked with washing and wiping the feet of the contestants. The 72nd Miss World contestants during visits #RamappaTemple and #1000PillarTemple of 12th century in Telangana, washed their feet before entering, a common practice in #temple entry #rituals. — Dilip kumar (@PDilip_kumar) May 15, 2025 In Hindu tradition, foot-washing is a spiritual act, symbolising purity before entering sacred spaces. It's often part of temple etiquette across parts of India, rooted in humility and cleanliness. Normally, individuals rinse their own feet at the entrance to a temple as a sign of respect. Foot-washing has deep symbolic roots across several global faiths. In Christianity, particularly during the Holy Week before Easter, foot-washing is practised to honour Jesus Christ, who washed the feet of his disciples to teach humility and service. In many Christian denominations, it's re-enacted to remind followers that greatness lies in serving others, not lording over them. In Sikhism, devotees remove their shoes and wash their hands and feet before entering the gurdwara (place of worship), again as a symbol of respect and spiritual readiness. But what stirred public concern this time was the role reversal on display. Instead of the contestants performing the ritual independently, videos show local Telangana women, believed to be volunteers, kneeling and assisting them. Some gently poured water over their feet, others dried them with towels. To many online, the image felt troubling. Not because of the ritual itself, but the optics: brown-skinned Indian women attending to mostly white or lighter-skinned foreign contestants in a gesture that felt uncomfortably close to servitude. The Telangana Tourism Department, which coordinated the temple visit, has defended the ritual as an authentic cultural experience shared with dignity. Dear Country! YES! This is happening in #Telangana Women of Telangana are being made to wash the feet of contestants of MISS WORLD! They are even patting them dry using towels!! WTF is this Casteist, Colonial, Racist behavior! 🙏🏽#MissWorld2025 #RidiculousBehavior… — Revathi (@revathitweets) May 14, 2025 Still, the moment has opened up a wider conversation. One user said, "Dear Country! YES! This is happening in #Telangana. Women of Telangana are being made to wash the feet of contestants of MISS WORLD! They are even patting them dry using towels! WTF is this Casteist, Colonial, Racist behaviour!" Another user, @decoupagebyRoop, added: "What bloody nonsense! Boycott these shallow pageants. Shame on the contestants, too." What bloody nonsense! Boycott these shallow pageants. Shame on the contestants too — Roop (@decoupagebyRoop) May 14, 2025 However, one person offered a different view, writing: "At the outset it's looking disgusting... but in our culture... women are equalled to goddesses and treated like the same... by washing the feet, offering haldi, kumkum, clothes and other sringaar items... nothing racist." At the outset its looking in our culture... women are equalled to goddess and treated like the washing the feet,offering haldi,Kumkum,clothes and other srinagar items.,clothes and racist.. — krish (@eakrishna) May 15, 2025
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Indian women help Miss World contestants wash their feet, video sparks outrage: ‘Colonial hangover'
India is hosting the Miss World beauty pageant this year in Telangana, with the finale all set to take place in Hyderabad on May 31. Ahead of the much-anticipated finale, contestants from more than a 100 countries have arrived in Telangana for two weeks of culture, sightseeing and practice. The Miss World pageant – one of the world's oldest – has seen its fair share of controversies in the past. This time, too, a burgeoning controversy over colonialism has been linked to the beauty pageant. A section of the internet has voiced objection to a video that shows Indian women washing the feet of Miss World contestants ahead of a temple visit. The Miss World 2025 contest kicked off with a glittering ceremony on May 10 in Hyderabad and will run until the grand finale on May 31, when reigning queen Krystyna Pyszková will pass the crown to a new winner. Ahead of the Miss World final, the contestants visited two of Telangana's most revered temples—the Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famed Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. The temple visits were part of several activities organised in the run up to the final by the Telangana Tourism Department. Before entering the temples, the beauty queens washed their feet, as is customary. News agency PTI reported: 'Before entering the temple, the contestants participated in a customary foot washing ritual, using elegant plates filled with water.' However, footage shared online shows local women helping the Miss World contestants wash their feet. The videos shared on social media show Telangana women – believed to be volunteers – helping the Miss World contestants wash their feet. Some were even seen patting their feet dry with a towel. The videos have sparked outrage among a section of the internet which slammed the act as 'racist'. 'Such a disgusting activity by the state government, it's an out and out casteist and racist program,' wrote X user Harish. 'The video shows that the contestant are washing their own feet, the women volunteers are assisting them,' another countered, adding: 'There should be a word from the Govt representative & the organisers on this activity.' One critic called it an example of India's 'colonial hangover.' However, several social media users also pointed out that most contestants seemed to have washed their feet themselves. Some were assisted by local women.
Hans India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Miss World contestants receives grand welcome at Ramappa Temple
Miss World contestants arrived at Rampalayam in Mulugu district, receiving an exceptional welcome from local officials and artists. District Collector Diwakara, SP Sabarisha, along with officials from the Tourism Department, were present to greet the esteemed guests. The arrival was marked by captivating Gussadi dance performances and traditional Oggudolu displays, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. Upon reaching the temple, the contestants participated in a symbolic washing of their feet before entering to offer their worship. Temple officials and staff provided a warm reception, and special prayers were conducted in honour of the occasion. During their visit, the Miss World participants took the time to inquire about the temple's history, expressing their admiration for the architectural beauty and intricate style of the ancient Ramappa Temple.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Ensure fool-proof security during Miss World events: DGP
Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender has directed police officials to implement comprehensive and fool-proof security measures for the upcoming Miss World events. At a meeting on Friday, senior police officials reviewed the security arrangements in detail. The DGP said that over 100 contestants from 116 nations will participate in the beauty contest, and their arrival was already underway. The Miss World competition will commence with a grand inaugural ceremony on May 10. The contestants will spend nearly a month touring various parts of the State, including key tourist and heritage sites such as Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district, Buddhavanam in Nalgonda, and Pillalamarri in Mahabubnagar. In Hyderabad, they will visit Lal Bazaar, the Secretariat, Yadagirigutta Temple, Uppal Stadium, Pochampally, and Ramoji Film City. The DGP confirmed that a centralised control system will be set up to oversee security operations across these sites. The opening event will take place at Gachibowli Stadium, while the grand finale is scheduled for May 31 at HITEX. Security will be tightened across the State, ensuring the safety of the contestants and guests. On May 12, contestants will visit Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar, and on May 13, they will tour Charminar, Laad Bazaar, and Chowmahalla Palace. On May 14, they will visit the Warangal heritage sites and Ramappa Temple. On May 15, visits will include Yadagirigutta Temple and Pochampally handloom weaving units. On May 16, some contestants will attend a Medical Tourism event at AIG Hospital in Hyderabad, while others will visit the famous Pillalamarri tree in Mahabubnagar. On May 17, contestants will participate in the sports finals at Gachibowli Stadium, and some others will tour Ramoji Film City. On May 18, they will visit the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre, while another group will tour the Secretariat. On May 20, they will visit Uppal Stadium, and visit Shilparamam on May 21. The Miss World finale will be held on May 31. The DGP also noted that additional police force, including Additional DGP for Law and Order, ADGP for Greyhound and Octopus, and senior officers from various branches of the police force, are coordinating the security measures.
