Winter Queen auditions from today

Auditions for the Winter Queen beauty pageant, part of the five-day national-level Manali Winter Carnival scheduled from January 20 to 24, would take place in Chandigarh, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu and Manali. The winner would receive Rs 1 lakh and a crown, while the first runner-up would be awarded Rs 50,000 and the second runner-up Rs 30,000.

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Auditions for aspiring contestants are set for January 12 at RKMV College in Shimla, January 15 at the Department of Zoology auditorium at Panjab University in Chandigarh, January 16 at Sardar Patel University in Mandi, January 18 at Government Senior Secondary School in Kullu and January 20 at Wildlife Hall in Manali. Eligible participants must be unmarried females aged 17 to 26 years, meeting height requirements and dress codes specified for the auditions. Detailed guidelines are available on the event’s website.

Selected participants would receive grooming for the pageant and participate in various culturally themed rounds, held every evening at Manu Rangshala. Contestants would also be engaged in social media activities and ranked accordingly. Winners would be crowned at the Grand Finale at the carnival’s conclusion.

The Winter Queen pageant is the highlight of the Winter Carnival, unique for being organised in the cold climate of Manali. Divyangana, the pageant’s groomer, noted the high enthusiasm among participants, with over 100 contestants auditioning last year. She said alongside other rewards and endorsements, the pageant has become a platform for many aspiring models.

Traditionally organised from January 2 to 6 for over three decades, this year the Winter Carnival Committee has opted for dates when tourist traffic is lower. Various events, including Voice of Carnival, would also take place during the festival. Typically, the Chief Minister inaugurates the festivities; however, the event has largely remained local, failing to draw significant tourist crowds. Residents urge for increased publicity to attract visitors from across the country.