The Miss Meghalaya and Miss Teen Meghalaya 2023 will start off with the auditions August 12 at Youth Hostel, Shillong.
The beauty pageant is being organised by Miss Meghalaya Organisation, under the umbrella of the Meghalaya Youth Tourism Development Society (MYTDS).
The winners of Miss Meghalaya and Miss Teen Meghalaya will represent the State in regional and national platforms.
The grand finale will be held on September 9 at the Soso Tham Auditorium here. There will also be a fashion show by the Butterfly Clothes and Accessories. Besides the platforms, the winners will receive a total cash prize of Rs 2.80 lakh.
The month-long beauty pageant will kick-start with the grooming session for about ten days, from August 28 to September 8.
“Miss Meghalaya is not just about looks and height; it’s beyond beauty. While physical beauty is a part of the competition, the emphasis is equally placed on qualities such as intelligence, confidence, charisma, and compassion. The pageants aim to redefine beauty by celebrating the diverse talents and strengths of the contestants, making them more than just superficial beauty pageants,” said MYTDS president Dominic Savio Diengdoh today.
Throughout the pageant journey, participants will undergo various training sessions that focus on personality development, public speaking, and self-confidence. These sessions help them grow not only as individuals but also to be a potential role model in the society.
The pageants serve as stepping stones for girls who aspire to enter the world of modeling, acting, or public speaking. The platform will provide a nurturing environment for them to learn, grow, and develop their skills, preparing them for future opportunities in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Moreover, Miss Meghalaya and Miss Teen Meghalaya serve as powerful platforms to raise awareness about important social issues and causes. The contestants often engage in various social activities and charity events, advocating for causes close to their hearts, thus becoming ambassadors of positive change in their communities.
Winning the titles not only brings prestige and recognition but also opens doors to opportunities at national beauty pageants. The winners get a chance to represent the State at prominent national pageants, where they can showcase the rich cultural heritage and talent of the region on a larger stage.
Over the years, winners of Miss Meghalaya have represented the State in various regional and national beauty pageants.
Reigning Miss Meghalaya, Irene Dkhar, who won the crown in 2022 had represented Meghalaya in the Miss North East 2022, where she emerged victorious. She was also selected as Femina Miss India Meghalaya 2023 and represented the State in the prestigious Femina Miss India 2023. Jessica Kharlukhi, first runner-up Miss Meghalaya, also represented the State in the Miss North East 2022 and was invited to walk and judge in many esteemed fashion shows and beauty contests.
Reigning Miss Teen Meghalaya, Daniella Shirley Majaw, won the first-ever Miss Teen category and represented the state in the Miss Teen Diva 2023, held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She underwent training at one of the most successful grooming schools in India, ‘The Cocoberry,’ and was selected to walk the ramp at the prestigious ‘Lakme Fashion Week,’ alongside Bollywood celebrities and designers.