HYDERABAD, MAY 13, 2025: The 72nd Miss World Festival (from the Asian and Oceanic region) is embarking on a captivating heritage tour to the iconic Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar in the Nalgonda district on the occasion of Buddha Pournami on Monday. This significant part of the festival’s itinerary aims to highlight Telangana’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage, offering contestants a deeper connection to the region’s profound spiritual and historical legacy.
The day’s itinerary included a brief stopover at a guest house near Chintapalli, followed by a picturesque photo session at Vijay Vihar, set against the serene backdrop of the Nagarjunasagar reservoir. The contestants then proceeded to Buddhavanam, a renowned Buddhist theme park developed on the northern bank of the Krishna River, spanning 279 acres. This prestigious project, taken up by the Telangana Government as part of an integrated Buddhist Circuit, is designed to showcase the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. The site features intricately carved structures, including the Mahastupa, known for its breathtaking drum and dome carvings, and a virtual hanging sky with lotus petals, offering a mesmerising experience.
Upon entering the Mahastupa, a majestic symbol of peace and spirituality, the contestants received a guided tour led by officials from the Archaeological Department. Dr. Shivanagi Reddy, a respected representative of the Archaeology and Tourism Department, emphasised the historical and architectural significance of the site, stating, “Buddhavanam is a testament to India’s ancient Buddhist heritage and its role in spreading the message of peace and compassion across the world. It is a privilege to share this rich history with the world through the Miss World pageant.”
The contestants explored the Buddhacharitha Vanam, depicting the life of Buddha, Jataka Park, which highlights stories from Buddha’s previous lives, Dhyana Vanam for meditation, and the Stupa Vanam, home to the imposing Maha Stupa, before visiting the Buddhist Heritage Museum, which houses ancient relics and sculptural panels depicting key events from Buddha’s life. They also learned about the historical significance of Nagarjunakonda, once a thriving centre of Mahayana Buddhism and the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty, known for its ancient monasteries and stupas, many of which were painstakingly relocated to this site to preserve them from the rising waters of the Nagarjunasagar reservoir.
In addition to the historical tour, the contestants participated in a meditative session within the Great Stupa, followed by a solemn Baillikuppa Maha Bodhi Puja performed by 25 Buddhist monks, offering a moment of introspection and spiritual connection. The visit concluded with a theatrical performance by 18 artists, capturing key episodes from the life of the Buddha, adding a dramatic touch to the day’s experiences.
Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome, noting, “It is heartening to see the contestants not just participating in a beauty pageant, but also immersing themselves in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Telangana. This journey is a beautiful reminder of the unity in diversity that India represents.”
Following this enriching cultural experience, the contestants will return to Hyderabad for the next leg of their journey. The festival’s itinerary includes a heritage walk at Charminar and Laad Bazaar on May 13th, followed by a royal welcome dinner at the historic Chowmahalla Palace, accompanied by a live musical concert.
