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Miss India 2026 Finalists Seek Blessings at Puri's Jagannath Temple

Contestants for the 61st Femina Miss India pageant visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to offer prayers ahead of the grand finale. The event marks the first time the national pageant is being held in Eastern India, with Odisha as the host state. Participants, including Odisha's own Ayushi Panda, expressed pride and emotional connection to the occasion. The finale is scheduled for April 18, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, following visits to other historic temples like Konark.

Key Points: Miss India 2026 Contestants Visit Puri Temple Ahead of Finale

  • Spiritual start to pageant
  • First time event in Eastern India
  • Visit to multiple Odisha temples
  • Grand finale on April 18, 2026
  • Event co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls
2 min read

Miss India 2026: Participants visit Puri's Jagannath temple ahead of finale

Miss India 2026 participants visited Puri's Jagannath Temple for blessings before the Bhubaneswar finale. See photos and contestant reactions.

"I am proud that Femina Miss India is being held in the East for the first time and, most importantly, in Odisha. - Ayushi Panda"

Puri, April 15

Ahead of the grand finale of the 61st edition of Femina Miss India, contestants visited the revered Shree Jagannath Temple to offer prayers, marking a spiritual start to the highly anticipated national pageant scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar on April 18, 2026.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, is one of India's most significant pilgrimage sites and holds immense cultural and religious importance.

Speaking to ANI, Odisha participant Ayushi Panda expressed her emotional connection to the occasion.

"Coming here is always a big deal for me.. All of us are very fortunate... I am proud that Femina Miss India is being held in the East for the first time and, most importantly, in Odisha," she said.

Another contestant from Madhya Pradesh shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the atmosphere and regional pride associated with the event.

"It feels very good to be here... I can feel everyone's energy... It is a matter of pride for Odisha that the Femina Miss India is being held here. Odisha is fulfilling this responsibility very well..." she said.

The official Instagram handle of Femina Miss India also shared the pictures from the visit.

The participants also visited Konark Sun temple and Mukteshwar temple.

The 61st edition of Femina Miss India, presented by KIIT Bhubaneswar and co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls, will culminate in the crowning of the new Miss India on April 18 in Bhubaneswar.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Great to see the focus on Odisha's heritage. Konark and Mukteshwar temples are architectural marvels. This exposure is fantastic for tourism in the East. Hope the contestants also get to enjoy some authentic Odia cuisine!
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the cultural visit, I sometimes feel these events become too commercialized. The sponsors are mentioned more prominently than the spiritual significance of the places. Hope the contestants' experience was genuine and not just for photo-ops.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Puri last year, this makes me so happy! The energy of the Jagannath temple is truly unique. Wishing all the contestants the very best. May the best woman win! 🎉
K
Kavya N
Finally, the pageant is in the East! It's high time. Odisha has such rich culture, art, and beautiful people. This will change the perception that these events only belong to metros. Best of luck to Ayushi and all participants from the state!
V
Vikram M
Jai Jagannath! 🙌 This is a wonderful initiative. Combining modern pageantry with ancient tradition shows the true, multifaceted face of modern India. The contestants look radiant. All the mahaprasad must have blessed them for the finale.

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