(Photo by Peter Jennings)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 29, 2024
Exquisite costumes, impressive talent, creative use of electronics and good humour were all a part of this year’s Miss IndiaNZ held at SkyCity Theatre on September 15, 2024.
Rhythm House Events and Rehab D Productions, owned, operated and directed by Dharmesh Parikh staged the best event in their 22 years of the Pageant, growing the event with the strength extended by loyal partners and stakeholders.
There were 23 contestants drawn from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton, each showcasing costumes embellished by design, colour and style, adding to the sartorial resplendency of the evening. Enhanced and embellished by colourful lights and sound effects coordinated by Arad, a pride of our community, Miss IndiaNZ set a new benchmark for itself.
Noor Randhawa (a separate story on this young woman follows) was easily the best, scoring high on all aspects of her presentation- from costumes and talent round to Question and Answer session and there was a loud ovation when she was announced as the Miss IndiaNZ 2024 title winner. She was followed by Zeenat Azad as the First Runner-Up. The position of Second Runner-Up was claimed by two contestants – Sharon Verma and Ambika Krishnamoorthy.
(Photo by Peter Jennings)
Culture extols Costumes
It was probably the first Miss IndiaNZ event where much attention was paid to costumes. The glory of North, South and Western India was evident in the presentation by the Pageant contestants, while the display from fashion houses indigenously owned was nothing short of superlatives.
As a regular visitor said, “The Miss IndiaNZ pageant continues to be a highlight of the Kiwi-Indian cultural calendar. This year’s event was nothing short of a spectacular celebration of elegance, fashion, music, and dance. The choice of Noor Randhawa as the Title Winner was the pinnacle of the night.”
Hemant Parikh, who has been one of the Masters of Ceremonies since the Pageant was launched in 2002, said that with participants and spectators travelling from all over New Zealand, the event once again proved the power of cultural celebration in bringing communities together.
“Miss IndiaNZ continues to provide a platform for young Kiwi-Indians to shine and embrace their culture, and this year’s event was a testament to the incredible talent and spirit within the community,” he said.
(Photo by Peter Jennings)
During their various rounds, IndiaNZ participants highlighted the fact that India is a land of vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship, blending beautiful embellishments with rich fabrics.
The age-old traditions, culture, and heritage were deeply reflected in the traditional clothing of India. From the elegant Kanjeevaram sarees of Tamil Nadu to the colourful Ghagra Cholis of Rajasthan, the traditional attires of India displayed were diverse, each embodying unique styles, traditions, and artistry.
As the contestants appeared scene after scene, they took the spectators across the length and breadth of the nation, showcasing the distinct Indian traditional dresses that have captivated hearts and minds for centuries.
Their statement of the cultural significance of Indian traditional attires underscored the untold stories behind the fabrics and the people who designed them.
(Photo by Peter Jennings)
Diverse Cultures Embellished
The traditional clothing of India is a testament to the diverse cultures that have flourished over millennia. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Indian traditional attire plays a crucial role in festivals, religious ceremonies, and celebrations, showcasing their identity and unique practices. This aspect was also showcased at Miss IndiaNZ 2024.
During events like Diwali, Navratri, and weddings, people don their most exquisite traditional Indian dresses to honour their cultural heritage and express their identity. These Indian cultural clothing styles significantly vary from region to religion, people and community.
(Photo by Peter Jennings)
The importance of costume jewellery was also shown as an increasingly important product for high-end retailers. While couture may sell the dream, it is accessories, beauty and fragrance that support the bottom line. Costume jewellery particularly appeals to younger consumers who want strong creativity at an affordable price.
The following is the full list of Main and Category winners of Miss IndiaNZ 2024:
Miss IndiaNZ: Noor Randhawa
First Runner-Up: Zeenat Azad
Second Runners-Up: Sharon Verma and Ambika Krishnamoorthy
Miss Personality: Yajna Singh
Miss Beautiful Hair: Risha Sapaliga
Miss Potential Model: Amrit Kaur
Miss Popular: Risha Sapaliga
Miss Friendship: Vandana Patel
Miss Talent: Vaishnavi Manatkar
Miss Photogenic: Carolin Biju
According to Dharmesh Parikh, Miss IndiaNZ has become a premier platform showcasing Kiwi-Indian elegance, fashion, music, and dance.
(Photo by Peter Jennings)
“Over the past two decades, more than 500 talented Kiwi-Indian women have participated in this prestigious event. This year’s Miss IndiaNZ contestants were a diverse group of 23 talented women of Indian origin, coming from cities across New Zealand. They included Indians, Fiji Indians, South African Indians, and others who now call Aotearoa New Zealand home. From engineers and healthcare professionals to bank managers and police officers, these women are united by their passion to represent the Kiwi-Indian community at this extravagant national event, showcasing their beauty, talent, and cultural pride.”
Those keen on participating in Miss IndiaNZ 2025 as a contestant or sponsor, may contact Hemant Parish at 021-629359 or Dharmesh Parikh at 021-2727454 for more information.
