THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 12, 2026
The 30 state winners
from across the country, who have qualified for the 61st edition of Femina Miss
India 2026, arrived at the KIIT campus today to a rousing welcome ahead of the
grand finale scheduled for April 18.
Hosting such a
prestigious national event at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
(KIIT) is a matter of immense pride for Odisha. Notably, this marks the first
time that the celebrated pageant is being hosted within a university campus in
eastern India.
The event is being
organised with the support of the Odisha Tourism Department and under the
active patronage of Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS. On their
arrival, Dr Samanta personally welcomed and congratulated all the contestants,
extending his best wishes for the competition.
Recognised as one of
India’s most prestigious beauty pageants, Femina Miss India attracts
participation from across the country, with states vying to host the grand
event. This year’s edition also aims to showcase and promote Odisha’s rich art,
culture, and heritage on a national platform.
The contestants will
spend the next seven days at KIIT and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences
(KISS), engaging with students and exploring the campuses as part of their
pre-event itinerary.
As part of their
cultural immersion, they will visit key heritage sites including Puri, Konark
Sun Temple, and Chandrabhaga Beach. The itinerary also includes heritage walks
at Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, and the historic Mukteswar Temple.
Coinciding with Pana Sankranti and the Odia New Year
celebrations on April 14, the contestants will experience traditional customs,
savour authentic Odia cuisine, and participate in a special “Chhena Poda
Festival,” celebrating Odisha’s iconic delicacy.
Among those present
at the felicitation ceremony were Nikita Porwal and KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof.
Saranjit Singh.
