The Middle East's Mangalorean women dazzle in Dubai's grand beauty pageant!
A Night of Glamour and Cultural Celebration
Dubai witnessed a spectacular event on November 1st, 2023, as the 'Mangalore Diva Middle East Miss & Mrs 2025' pageant crowned its winners in a glamorous ceremony. This wasn't just a beauty contest; it was a platform to empower and honor the cultural heritage of Mangalorean women residing in the Middle East.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the pageant wasn't solely about looks. It emphasized self-confidence and self-awareness, with two days of intensive training led by renowned experts. Contestants underwent a transformative journey, culminating in a grand finale that showcased their newfound confidence and grace.
The Grand Finale
The event, organized by Priya Fernandes of Priya Fashions and her esteemed associates, was a two-day affair. The final night, held at Hotel Ramee Dream Downtown, was a celebration of beauty, talent, and cultural pride. Contestants from across the Middle East competed in three distinct rounds: Ethnic, Fusion, and Western, captivating the audience with their elegance and poise.
And the Winners Are...
The Mrs. Category winners were:
- Minu Jose (Winner)
- Nayana Shetty (1st Runner-up)
- Asmitha Kotian (2nd Runner-up)
The TIA Miss Category winners were:
- Tanushree Shetty (Winner)
- Shirley Crasta (1st Runner-up)
- Cynthia D'Souza (2nd Runner-up)
A Star-Studded Affair
The event was graced by a host of VIPs and celebrities. Dr. Ronald Colaco, Jean Colaco, and Lanchu Lal, along with other prominent figures, served as chief guests. The judging panel included esteemed names like Meena Nirmala, Siddharth Shetty, and Dr. Priyadarshin, who evaluated the contestants' diverse talents.
Controversy Corner: Unveiling the Judges' Deliberations
The judging process, a closely guarded secret, is often a topic of curiosity and debate. How do judges decide the winners? Is it purely based on looks, or do other factors come into play? This pageant's judging criteria, focusing on self-confidence and cultural representation, might spark discussions on the evolving nature of beauty pageants. What do you think? Is it time to redefine beauty beyond physical appearance?
VVIP Guests and Celebrity Glitz
The VVIP list included Joywin, Sharat Shet, Rich Rose, and Michael, among others. Celebrity guests Roopesh Shetty, Samata Amin, and Vineet Kumar added a touch of glamour. The hosts, Errol Edwin Goveas and Sweeny Maria D'Souza, kept the audience engaged, and the show's opening ramp walk by Deuela Patsy Paul in a Priya Fashions Boutique creation set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
A Fusion of Fashion and Culture
The Ethnic Wear Round celebrated Tulunadu's rich heritage, followed by the Fusion Round, showcasing designs by Jeevan Ghatti. The Western Round featured elegant gowns, and the evening's highlight was an energetic dance performance by Dance Central.
Media Partners and Support
Daijiworld TV and Karnataka News, as media partners, ensured the event reached a wider audience. Social media influencers and collaborators played a significant role in promoting the pageant. Sponsors and support partners, including Dream Destination, One More Rep, and Kudla Restaurant, contributed to the event's success.
Subtitle Winners: Recognizing Diverse Talents
The Miss Category subtitle winners were:
- Anusaya D'Souza Joseph (Miss Confident Diva)
- Nikitha Jogi (Miss Congeniality)
- Viola Lilly Alva (Miss Catwalk Diva)
- Cynthia D'Souza (Miss Best Personality)
- Tanushree Shetty (Miss Diva Fashion Icon)
- Tianna Mathias (Miss Fitness Diva)
- Tanya Sabnis (Miss Runway Diva)
- Shirley Crasta (Miss Photogenic Diva)
- Ishani Guruprasad (Miss Creative Diva)
- Larissa Fedric Quadros (Miss Dazzling Smile)
The Mrs. Category subtitle winners were:
- Janice Leena Gonzalves (Mrs. Confident Diva)
- Prema Fernandes (Mrs. Congeniality)
- Vinaya Tilak Shetty (Mrs. Catwalk Diva)
- Nayana Shetty (Mrs. Best Personality)
- Asmitha Kotian (Mrs. Diva Fashion Icon)
- Valerie Fernandes (Mrs. Fitness Diva)
- Preethi Seema (Mrs. Runway Diva)
- Minu Jose (Mrs. Photogenic Diva)
- Venecia Crasto (Mrs. Creative Diva)
- Laveena K B (Mrs. Dazzling Smile)
Empowerment and Opportunities
The winners received cash prizes, gift hampers, and vouchers. The top winners in each category will also star in an upcoming Tulu movie, and the Miss and Mrs. Category winners will become the faces of Priya Fashions and the Mangalore Diva event, respectively.
The organizers emphasized that the pageant is a testament to the strength and cultural richness of Mangalorean women. The event concluded with a sense of unity and pride, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
Watch the Magic Unfold
For those who missed the live event, the entire show is available on YouTube. Don't miss the chance to witness the glamour, talent, and cultural fusion of the 'Mangalore Diva Middle East Miss & Mrs 2025' pageant!
What's your take on beauty pageants? Do you think they can be platforms for cultural celebration and empowerment, or do they perpetuate certain stereotypes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
