Latest news with #TelanganaTourismDepartment
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Telangana to soon have Tourist police across major attractions in State
Telangana will soon have a dedicated Tourist Police force to enhance the safety and security of visitors, Director General of Police Jitender announced on Wednesday. The move follows a coordination meeting between the Police department and the Telangana Tourism Department at the DGP's office, attended by senior officials including Tourism Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Mahesh M Bhagwat, and senior representatives from the Tourism and Film Development Corporation. In the first phase, 80 police personnel will be assigned to the Tourism Department, with the system expected to be fully operational by World Tourism Day on September 27. The Tourist Police will be deployed at major attractions including Anantagiri, Somasila, Ramappa, Yadagirigutta, Pochampally, Nagarjunasagar, Buddhavanam, Bhadrachalam, and Amrabad among others. He also recommended that the Tourism Department develop standard operating procedures for issuing shooting permits and organising special events, enabling police to provide timely and effective security. Film producers and event organisers were urged to give prior notice to facilitate adequate arrangements. Mr. Ranjan said several initiatives were planned to boost tourism in Telangana, stressing the importance of Tourist Police in safeguarding visitors to spiritual, medical, and leisure destinations, and in attracting more domestic and international travellers. Senior police officers from Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda were also present at the meeting.
News18
16-05-2025
- News18
Video Of Telangana Women Washing Miss World Contestants' Feet Sparks Outrage: ‘Disgusting, Racist'
Last Updated: Outrage grew over a video that depicts local Indian women assisting Miss World contestants in washing their feet prior to temple visits. Washing and wiping the feet of Miss World 2025 contestants by women from Telangana before their entry into a temple triggered outrage. The feet of contestants from 109 countries were washed and wiped by women volunteers before their entry into the ancient Ramappa temple in the Mulugu district. The visit of contestants to UNESCO World Heritage site was part of the ongoing beauty pageant. Miss World Contest In Telangana Telangana is currently playing host to the prestigious Miss World beauty pageant, with contestants from over 100 nations immersing themselves in Indian culture and preparing for the grand finale scheduled for May 31 in Hyderabad. The two-week schedule, which commenced with a dazzling opening ceremony on May 10th, includes sightseeing and practice sessions across the state. Feet Washing Controversy Outrage grew over a video that depicts local Indian women assisting Miss World contestants in washing their feet prior to temple visits. The contestants recently visited two significant temples in Telangana: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple in the Mulugu district and the renowned Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. The visits were organized by the Telangana Tourism Department as part of the pre-finale activities. Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said, 'In a shocking display of servility, the Telangana Congress government made local women wash and wipe the feet of Miss World contestants, a humiliating act that reeks of a colonial-era mindset. Further, this was done within the sanctity of the Ramappa Temple and in an area in close proximity to the place where the divine Goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma are revered." Main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) slammed the Congress government saying it shattered Telangana's self-respect. In a letter to Sonia Gandhi, former ministers and public representatives from the BRS urged her to intervene immediately. Several social media users argued that the visual evokes imagery of colonialism and reinforces unequal power dynamics. First Published: May 16, 2025, 07:09 IST
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Disgusting activity': Miss World 2025 contestants' visit to Telangana temple sparks backlash over foot-washing clips; expert sheds light on this ritual
A striking blend of tradition and glamour unfolded at the 800-year-old Ramappa Temple in Telangana's Mulugu district as Miss World 2025 contestants from the European region were welcomed for a cultural tour. According to their official Instagram page, the event was 'organised by Telangana Tourism Department, the experience began with a ceremonial welcome at the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ramappa Temple, also known as Rudreshwara Temple. A red carpet led the way into the site, where the guests – dressed in vibrant saris with fresh flowers adorning their hair – arrived. Accompanied by cultural experts and officials, the visitors explored the architectural marvels of the Kakatiya dynasty, watched traditional dance performances, and attended a vibrant light-and-sound show narrating the temple's 800-year-old legacy. The post also said, 'As evening settled in, the delegates were captivated by local artists' performances, culminating in a spectacular light show that illuminated the temple's majestic structure. To commemorate the experience, they were presented with handcrafted local gifts, celebrating Telangana's rich artistic heritage.' A post shared by Miss World (@missworld) According to PTI, 'Before entering the temple, the contestants participated in a customary foot washing ritual, using elegant plates filled with water.' In video clips circulated widely online, female volunteers can be seen carrying out this ritual by pouring water while the contestants wash their feet. This, however, appears to have been misinterpreted as volunteers washing the contestants' feet with their own hands, a gesture that did not sit well with many, including former Minister S Niranjan Reddy. According to Telangana Today, he said, 'This is not just an insult to the women involved, but to the dignity of (the) entire Telangana society,' accusing the Congress-led government of misplaced priorities amid farmer distress and national security concerns. Netizens questioned the ritual as well. In a widely shared video on X, a user commented: 'Disgusting.' Another user said, 'Such a disgusting activity by the state government it's an out and out casteist and racist program.' 'They should actually try it with their own women instead of using the other women for this act,' wrote a third X user. However, many came forward to defend the events. 'I can see it very clearly they are just giving/pouring water…not touching their feet,' a user said. Another wrote, 'Washing feet of guests isn't colonial hangover. It is a part of culture. Lord Krishna did it to Sudama as well.' Saru Subba, historian and founder, Carol School Guwahati, told 'In Indian spiritual traditions, washing someone's feet, 'pāda prakṣālana', is considered a mark of deep reverence and devotion. In many Hindu rituals, washing the feet of deities (in idol form), saints, gurus, and sometimes honoured guests is customary, symbolising a gesture of humility and respect. The practice is rooted in the belief that the feet carry an individual's physical and symbolic journey, and to cleanse them is to acknowledge the sanctity of that journey.' 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 Yes, foot-washing is still practiced in several regions across India, particularly during Vedic rituals, marriage ceremonies, Puja rituals for priests, and Guru Purnima observances. For instance, Subba mentions:
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.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Telangana gears up to host 72nd Miss World Pageant
The global spotlight is set to shine on Telangana as the 72nd edition of the Miss World beauty pageant kicks off in Hyderabad on Saturday, with an opening ceremony at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium. The event marks the beginning of a three-week jamboree that promises to blend glamour, culture, and social purpose across Telangana. The decision to host the pageant in Telangana was announced on February 19 by the Miss World Organisation. 'We are delighted to bring the 72nd Miss World Festival to Telangana, a State that beautifully represents its rich culture, innovation, and hospitality. This collaboration is not just about hosting the Miss World Festival; it's about empowering communities, celebrating diversity, and making a lasting impact through our shared commitment to beauty with a purpose,' said Julia Morley, CEO of the Miss World Organisation. In March, the Telangana Tourism Department unveiled a detailed schedule for the event, which will see contestants travel beyond Hyderabad to experience the cultural and historic richness of Warangal, Pochampally, Buddhavanam, Yadagirigutta, and Mahabubnagar. One of the key highlights in Hyderabad will be a heritage walk through Charminar and Laad Bazaar on May 13, concluding with a welcome dinner at the Chowmahalla Palace. Contestants will also visit AIG Hospitals to gain insights into the city's medical tourism offerings, and tour the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGPICCC) to learn about safety and tourism initiatives. The competitive rounds begin with the Continental Finale on May 20 and 21 at T-Hub, followed by the Talent Finale at Shilpakala Vedika on May 22. The Top Model Fashion Finale is scheduled for May 24 at either Trident Hotel or Hitex, and the prestigious 'Beauty with a Purpose' event will be held at Hitex on May 26. The pageant will culminate in a grand finale at Hitex on May 31, where the new Miss World and other title-holders will be crowned. Their journey will conclude with a formal meeting and high tea with the Governor and Chief Minister of Telangana at Raj Bhavan on June 2, coinciding with Telangana State Formation Day.
