Hyderabad, 14 May 2025 – The streets of Hyderabad shimmered with pride, purpose, and poetry last evening as the city opened its arms to the Miss World 2025 contestants. It was a night that bridged centuries — from the bustling soul of Charminar to the timeless grandeur of Chowmahalla Palace. As part of the Telangana leg of the Miss World 2025 itinerary, delegates from around the globe walked through the lanes of legacy and dined under the stars like queens of another era.
This wasn’t just an event.
This was Hyderabad making a statement to the world — a city where beauty meets soul, and tradition dances with global relevance.
A Stroll Through Living History: The Charminar Heritage Walk
The evening began at 6 PM in the heart of Old Hyderabad. The contestants, many of whom were visiting India for the first time, embarked on a Heritage Walk through the iconic Charminar and Laad Bazaar. The glow of the monument lit up the dusky sky as locals and visitors alike paused to watch the elegance unfold.
Charminar, built in 1591, is more than a structure — it’s a symbol of Hyderabad’s cultural identity. The Miss World delegates didn’t just see it; they felt it — surrounded by local artisans, curious children, and the scent of centuries-old traditions in the air.
As they passed through Laad Bazaar, famous for its handcrafted bangles and ethnic bazaars, contestants interacted with shopkeepers, posed for photos, and even picked up souvenirs. The walk became more than a tour — it was a cultural exchange, a moment of global unity dressed in color, joy, and authenticity.
A Royal Affair: Welcome Dinner at Chowmahalla Palace
From the vibrant chaos of the bazaar to the calm opulence of royalty — at 7 PM, the delegation was welcomed into Chowmahalla Palace, the former seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Once the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad, the palace has hosted emperors, poets, and now, the world’s most graceful ambassadors of purpose and beauty.
The palace was lit to perfection — soft, golden chandeliers reflecting off marble floors, echoing footsteps on Mughal arches, and the soulful sounds of live classical music filling the courtyard. It wasn’t just a dinner — it was a time machine.
Draped in elegance, the Miss World contestants were treated to local delicacies, royal hospitality, and a musical performance that fused classical Indian ragas with global harmony. Delegates expressed their awe at the architecture, the stories, the warmth of Telangana’s welcome — and the effort to preserve culture while embracing progress.
The Music of Majesty: Naubat & Marfa Come Alive
What made the evening even more enchanting was the sound of Hyderabad’s traditional royal music. As the guests entered Chowmahalla, they were greeted by the resounding beats of “Naubat” (or “Nakkare” drums) — a ceremonial ensemble historically used to mark the arrival of royalty. These drums, played at fixed hours in the Nizam’s court, are rarely heard today — making this moment all the more special.
Adding to the rhythm was the energetic performance of “Hadrami Marfa”, an Afro-Arabic musical tradition brought to Hyderabad by seafaring communities centuries ago. With its fast-paced drumming and celebratory spirit, Marfa music made the delegates smile, sway, and celebrate — capturing the multicultural heartbeat of Hyderabad in a way words couldn’t.
Hyderabad’s Message to the World
What unfolded last night was more than an itinerary checkmark. It was Telangana showing the world that cultural heritage is not something to be looked at — it is something to be lived, felt, and shared.
Hyderabad proved that you can be modern without forgetting your roots. You can host the world without losing your identity. And in doing so, you inspire others — not with just glitter, but with grace.
