Telangana to host 72nd Miss World from May 10 to May 31

The event will highlight Telangana’s architectural marvels, from the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple to the grand Charminar and Golconda Fort

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The forthcoming Miss World Pageant to be held from May 10 to May 31 in Telangana has become the talking point and has garnered quite a lot of criticism from the opposition parties citing the need for holding such an event with large expenditure, especially when the state faces a revenue shortfall of Rs 71,000 crore Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said on Thursday that the pageant would boost Telangana’s tourism.

The event would be held across several cultural venues. The Minister added that Telangana’s contribution would be Rs 27 crore which will come primarily from sponsorships and the estimated cost of Rs 54 crore would be equally shared. Some reports state that the event may cost around Rs 200 crore. Rao, citing the globally successful South Korean television series 'Squid Game' as well as the immensely popular band 'BTS', said that South Korea has successfully capitalised on its cultural assets to boost its economy.

Rao further highlighted Telangana’s growing cultural influence, pointing out the increasing global interest in the state's festivals and traditions. "Having the Miss World pageant in Telangana is not merely a prestige issue. It is a chance to celebrate women across the world. It is a clarion call to recognise their narratives, aspirations, and grit," he added.

Tourism Secretary Smita Sabharwal said that Telangana, the "Three Linga Desha" and India’s youngest state, has grown into one of the country’s most vibrant states, boasting robust infrastructure, economic prosperity, and cultural richness. "The event will highlight Telangana’s architectural marvels, from the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple to the grand Charminar and Golconda Fort," she added.