The 30 State winners from across the country who have qualified for the 61st Femina Miss India event being held at KIIT on April 18, arrived on the campus on Sunday to a rousing welcome. Hosting such a prestigious event at KIIT campus is a matter of pride for Odisha. This is the first time that such an event is being organised in a university in eastern India.

Supported by the State Tourism department, the event is being organised under the guidance of Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS. Upon their arrival at the campus, Samanta congratulated all the contestants. Femina Miss India is among the most prestigious beauty pageants in India, celebrating intelligence and poise. Various States compete to host this event. The event also seeks to promote art, culture, and heritage of Odisha.

Until the grand finale, the contestants will spend seven days at KIIT and KISS. During this period, they will visit the campuses and interact with the students.

They will also visit Puri, Konark Sun Temple, and Chandrabhaga beach to experience Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The contestants will take part in a heritage walk at Puri beach and Chandrabhaga beach, and participate in another heritage walk at Mukteswar Temple.

Since Pana Sankranti and Odia New Year fall on April 14, the contestants will observe traditional Odia customs on that day. They will enjoy Odia cuisine and celebrate a special “Chhena Poda Festival” by tasting Odisha’s famous delicacy.

Femina Miss India 2024 Nikita Porwal and KIIT Vice-Chancellor Prof Saranjit Singh were present at the felicitation function.