Hyderabad Welcomes Miss World Delegates with Heritage and Culture
Charminar and Laad Bazaar turned hosts as Miss World participants explored Hyderabad's culture, shopped bangles, watched marfa music, and dined royally.
image for illustrative purpose
Under the glow of festive lights at the Charminar, 109 Miss World contestants explored Old Hyderabad’s landmarks Tuesday evening. The area around the 16th-century monument was transformed into a red-carpeted procession, with pearls draped above Laad Bazaar’s entrance.
Contestants toured century-old shops, including a family-run bangle workshop. Artisans crafted special sets of glass and metal bangles, which participants tried on and photographed amid the bazaar’s narrow lanes. At a nearby pearl outlet, representatives from Bulgaria and Serbia learned to test pearls by heat, prompting audible interest as they examined necklaces and earrings.
A barricade separated the visitors from crowds of onlookers who watched cameras flash and phones lift for selfies. An African contestant greeted spectators in Telugu, saying, “Namaste India and thank you Telangana. This place is extremely beautiful. As Africans, we feel honored and welcome.”
In front of the Charminar, local musician Mohammad Ilyas Khan led his band in a marfa performance, drawing contestants into the beat. “It’s a privilege to play for the contestants,” Khan said. “We showcased a range of tunes, and the experience has been memorable.”
A touching moment came when a young girl outside the barricades waved; contestants responded with air kisses. The evening concluded at Chowmahalla Palace, where state officials, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, hosted a dinner featuring biryani, mirchi ka salan, dum ka murgh and kebabs.
