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Hans India
13-05-2025
- Hans India
Miss World Contestants Embark on Spiritual Tour to Buddhavanam on the eve of Buddha Purnima
On the eve of Buddha Purnima, contestants from the Asian and Oceanic regions of the 72nd Miss World Festival embarked on a spiritual and cultural journey to Buddhavanam, a significant Buddhist heritage site in Nagarjunasagar, Nalgonda district, Telangana. This immersive heritage experience, curated as part of the festival's itinerary, is designed to highlight Telangana's rich spiritual tapestry and centuries-old connection with Buddhism. The visit provided contestants with a deeper understanding of India's ancient traditions and values. A Day of Discovery and Reflection The day began with a brief stop near Chintapalli and a scenic photo session at Vijay Vihar, set against the tranquil Nagarjunasagar reservoir. The main highlight followed a guided tour of Buddhavanam, a 279-acre Buddhist theme park developed by the Telangana Government as part of an integrated Buddhist Circuit project. Contestants explored key attractions including: Mahastupa: An architectural marvel with breathtaking carvings and a lotus-petal sky dome. Buddhacharitha Vanam: Depicting key events from Buddha's life. Jataka Park: Showcasing tales from Buddha's past lives. Dhyana Vanam: A serene meditation garden. Stupa Vanam and the Buddhist Heritage Museum: Housing rare relics and sculptural narratives. The tour was enriched by insights from Dr. Shivanagi Reddy of the Archaeology and Tourism Department, who spoke about the significance of Nagarjunakonda, once a major center of Mahayana Buddhism under the Ikshvaku dynasty. Spiritual Moments and Cultural Expression Inside the Great Stupa, contestants participated in a peaceful meditative session followed by the Baillikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja led by 25 Buddhist monks. The day concluded with a captivating theatrical performance featuring 18 artists dramatizing episodes from Buddha's life. Julia Morley, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, expressed her appreciation, stating,'It is heartening to see the contestants not just participating in a beauty pageant, but also immersing themselves in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Telangana. This journey is a beautiful reminder of the unity in diversity that India represents.' Following this soul-stirring experience, the contestants will continue their cultural tour: May 13: Heritage walk at Charminar and Laad Bazaar, followed by a royal welcome dinner at Chowmahalla Palace with a live musical performance. May 14: Group 1 visits Warangal Fort, 1000 Pillar Temple, and Bhadrakali Temple. Group 2 explores the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple, complete with a traditional Perini dance. May 15: Group 1 heads to Yadagirigutta Temple, while Group 2 visits Pochampally village, a UNWTO-recognized site known for its exquisite Ikat weaves. As the Miss World 2025 journey continues, the spirit of 'Beauty with a Purpose' shines through- celebrating global unity, cultural exchange, and the timeless values of compassion and peace.
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Buddhavanam bedecked to welcome Miss World contestants
Hyderabad: The State government machinery has completed all the arrangements at Buddhavanam near Nagarjuna Sagar for the arrival of some contestants who have come to participate in the Miss World pageant being held in Hyderabad. The contestants from about 30 countries participating in the Miss World pageant will visit Buddhavanam located at the Nagarjuna Sagar project in Nalgonda district on Monday. First, they will leave Hyderabad and stop for a while at a guest house near Chintapalli in Nalgonda district. Then they reach Vijay Vihar. After a photo session there, they will reach Buddhavanam. On this occasion, about 24 Lambada artists will welcome them with a Lambada dance. After the welcome at the Maha Stupa, there will be a photo session. Necessary arrangements were being made for this. After entering the Stupa, representatives of the Archaeological Department would explain the details of the Stupa. After the world beauties meditate there, 25 Buddhist monks will perform Bailikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja here. Later, they will visit the Jataka Van. Archaeology and Tourism Representative Shivanagi Reddy will explain the importance of the Buddhavanam to the world beauties. After visiting the Jataka Van, they will watch a performance by 18 artistes on the life of Buddha. After dinner, they will return to Hyderabad.
United News of India
11-05-2025
- United News of India
Miss World 2025 contestants to experience Telangana's Buddhist heritage on Monday
Hyderabad, May 11 (UNI) The Telangana government has completed all necessary arrangements at Buddhavanam, a Buddhist heritage site near Nagarjunasagar, to welcome contestants from around 30 countries who are participating in the Miss World 2025 pageant currently being held in Hyderabad. As part of their cultural tour, the contestants will visit Buddhavanam, a renowned Buddhist heritage site located at the Nagarjunasagar project in Nalgonda district, on Monday. Their itinerary includes a brief stopover at a guest house near Chintapalli, followed by a visit to Vijay Vihar, where a photo session has been scheduled, an official statement said on Sunday. The participants will then proceed to Buddhavanam, where they will be greeted with a traditional Lambada dance performed by 24 local artistes. A photo session will be held at the Mahastupa, offering a scenic backdrop of the iconic structure. Upon entering the Great Stupa, officials from the Archaeological Department will provide insights into its historical and architectural significance. The contestants will also participate in a meditation session, followed by a Baillikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja performed by 25 Buddhist monks. The group will then visit the Jatakavanam, where Dr Shivanagi Reddy, noted representative of the Archaeology and Tourism Department, will explain the cultural and spiritual importance of the site. Their visit will conclude with a theatrical performance by 18 artists depicting key episodes from the life of the Buddha. After dinner, the Miss World contestants will return to Hyderabad, completing a meaningful cultural experience that highlights Telangana's Buddhist heritage. UNI VV RN
