First Himalayan beauty pageant held in Dharamsala

Dharamsala: The first Himalyan beauty pageant contest is being held in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, to highlight important issues related to environment and unplanned development.

Dharamsala town is also the seat of power for the Tibetan government in exile. Five girls from five different Himalayan regions, Leh-Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state, the northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and northern Himachal Pradesh state; have been selected and are participating in the contest. One of the organiser’s of the event Lobsang Wangyal, said the contest is also a medium to focus on various issues that concern the entire Himalayan region. “There are five very beautiful young women from the entire Himalayan region. And, I am very happy and honoured to organise this event, which is the first of its kind. Eventually, it will move to different Himalayan towns and cities. And, I think it is also an opportunity to speak about the environmental issues and other issues such as unplanned development, ideas within the Himalayan region,” he said. The contestants said they are extremely excited to participate in the contest. “I am looking forward to this competition because it mainly focuses on promoting the young girls of the Himalayan region. So, I am really excited and looking forward to this pageant,” said Annie Norbu Bhutia, a participant from Sikkim. The winner of this contest would receive prize money of Rs. 100,000, while the first and second runners up would win Rs.50,000 respectively. The contest will be held on October 12 and 13. ANI