Dr Kaniska wins Miss Miri Saree Queen 2019
MIRI: Dr Kaniska Lachumanur edged out 12 other contestants to be crowned Miss Miri Saree Queen 2019 during the recent Miri Indian Bazaar.
Dressed in her favourite greenandred saree, the 27-year- old from Cameron Highlands, who is attached to Miri Hospital, received a tiara, trophy and a host of prizes including a two- day one- night stay at Miri Marriot Resort and Spa as well as a Balinese spa treatment at Mandara Spa.
Placing second and third respectively were Mukta Paul Choudhury, 27, a Miri Palliative Care Association volunteer, and 33-year- old Drew de Jesus, who is a fitness instructor from the Philippines. They both received a tiara, trophy and complimentary prizes.
Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Wira Lorna Enan Muloon Chan of Moving Communities, Miri mayor Adam Yii’s wife Rita Lau, and pageant organising chairperson Sara Devasara jointly presented prizes to the winners and other contestants.
Lorna commended Miri Hindu Society ( MHS) for working closely with other communities in organising the saree beauty pageant as part of events at Miri Indian Bazaar, which seeks to raise funds for their new temple in Taman Tunku.
“The pageant itself not only showcases the beauty of the saree, but also the significant meaning and symbolism attached to the garment in the form of different colours or designs.
“In short, it showcases one of the Indian community’s rich cultural heritage. Besides, the pageant also serves as an ideal platform to promote closer rapport and understanding among the different races and also to attract tourists to Miri City,” she said.
Dr Kaniska, who agreed with Lorna, said she was pleased that MHS had organised the pageant.
“I am very pleased, not so much for winning this contest in my first time joining a beauty pageant, but because I am able to share our rich culture and create greater public awareness of the saree.
“I hope this contest can be organised on an annual basis especially in conjunction with Miri Indian Bazaar, so as to make Miri a vibrant city,” she said, adding that the saree is a symbol of tradition, pride and innovation, and represents Indian culture and way of life.
Apart from those residing in Miri, this year’s pageant also attracted participants from India, Indonesia and the Philippines.