THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 14, 2026
The
vibrant spirit of the Odia New Year came alive at the KIIT campus on Tuesday as
the 30 finalists of the 61st Femina Miss India pageant celebrated the occasion
with traditional fervour, immersing themselves in Odisha’s rich cultural
heritage.
Elegantly
draped in Odisha’s iconic patta silk sarees, the contestants experienced the
state’s authentic cuisine, relishing delicacies such as the famed chhena poda.
Delighted by the flavours and traditions, they expressed deep admiration for
Odisha’s cultural richness and pledged to promote its heritage across the
country.
The
30 state winners, currently residing at the KIIT campus, are gearing up for the
grand finale of the 61st Femina Miss India, scheduled to be held here on April
18. Adding star presence to the celebrations, Femina Miss India 2024 Nikita
Porwal joined the contestants during the festivities.
Organised
in collaboration with the Odisha Tourism Department and supported by Dr.
Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, the event aims to showcase Odisha’s
art, culture, and tourism potential on a national stage.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most prestigious beauty pageants, Femina Miss India has drawn nationwide attention to Odisha this year, marking the first time the state is hosting the grand event. The platform is being strategically leveraged to highlight Odisha’s unique cultural identity.
In
the coming days, the contestants will explore some of Odisha’s most iconic
destinations, including Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, and Chandrabhaga Beach.
Their itinerary also features heritage walks at Puri Beach and the historic
Mukteshwar Temple, offering them a deeper glimpse into the state’s timeless
legacy.
