India to Host 71st Miss World Pageant After 28 Years

New Delhi: India is set to host the 71st Miss World pageant after a 28-year hiatus, as announced by the event organizers. The official Miss World page shared the news, quoting Chairman Julia Morley CBE and expressing anticipation for a celebration of beauty, diversity, and empowerment.

The last time India hosted the pageant was in 1996 in Bengaluru. Reita Faria Powell became the first Indian woman to win the Miss World crown in 1966, followed by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1994, Diana Hayden in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in 2000. The most recent Indian winner was Manushi Chhillar in 2017.

Chairman of Miss World, Julia Morley CBE stated "Excitement fills the air as we proudly announce India as the host country for Miss World. A celebration of beauty, diversity, and empowerment awaits. Get ready for a spectacular journey! 🇮🇳 #MissWorldIndia #BeautyWithAPurpose

— Miss World (@MissWorldLtd) January 19, 2024

The upcoming event, scheduled between February 18 and March 9, will take place at prominent venues like the G-20 site, Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, and the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The Opening Ceremony and ‘India Welcomes the World Gala’ will be held on February 20 in New Delhi, leading up to the global finale on March 9 in Mumbai.

Miss World Organization’s Julia Evelyn Morley expressed excitement about returning to India and turning the event into a month-long festival celebrating female achievement. The pageant, founded in 1951, emphasizes going beyond traditional beauty contests to promote positive change through humanitarian service.

Munish Gupta, Advisor to the Miss World Organization in India, highlighted the opportunity to showcase India’s rich culture, traditions, and more to a global audience. Each contestant will have a dedicated media channel on MissWorld.com to present why they should advance to the Top 20 finals.

Major competitions during the event include the World Top Designer Award & Miss World Top Model in Mumbai, Miss World Sports Challenge in New Delhi, and the Miss World Talent Final in Mumbai. The 71st Miss World Final will be produced by Endemol Shine India and televised live from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm on March 9 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Rishi Negi, Group COO- Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, expressed pride in securing the television production mandate, emphasizing their leadership and excellence in event production.