Telangana, India’s youngest and one of its most dynamic states, is set to host the 72nd edition of the prestigious Miss World Festival. Scheduled from 7th to 31st May 2025, this global event marks a milestone for both India and the Miss World Organisation, with Hyderabad serving as the principal host city.

The official press conference announcing the festival was held at Trident Hyderabad. Present at the event were Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO, Miss World Limited; Jupally Krishna Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Prohibition & Excise, Tourism, Culture and Archaeology, Government of Telangana, Sri Patel Ramesh Reddy, Hon’ble Chairman, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Limited and Jayesh Ranjan, Full Additional Charge (FAC) as Special Chief Secretary of Telangana Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture department.

Special guests included Sonu Sood, acclaimed actor and humanitarian, and Nandini Gupta, Miss World India, who will represent the nation at this year’s pageant. It was announced that Sonu Sood will be conferred with a Humanitarian Award during the festival in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic contributions through the Sood Charity Foundation. He will also serve as a judge for the grand finale.

Pic: Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO, Miss World Limited with Sonu Sood

Speaking at the event, Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO, Miss World Organisation, said: “It is with immense joy that we bring the 72nd Miss World Festival to the heart of India- Telangana. This state exemplifies the values of our mission, ‘Beauty With a Purpose.’ With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant modernity, and extraordinary hospitality, Telangana is the perfect partner for this global celebration of beauty, purpose, and unity.”

Sonu Sood expressed: “Being part of the 72nd edition of Miss World in my home country — and especially here in Telangana — is a profound honour. I am humbled by this recognition from the Miss World Organisation and proud to support a platform that champions purpose and change. I’m especially delighted that the Miss World Organisation and the Sood Charity Foundation have come together to collaborate on spreading awareness for a Cancer Free World. This shared commitment will help amplify the message and bring hope to millions around the globe.”

Miss India Nandini Gupta, representing the nation at Miss World this year, shared: “It fills me with pride to represent India on home soil. Telangana’s charm, warmth, and diversity will certainly be a memorable backdrop for this transformative journey. I’m excited to welcome the world here.”

Jupally Krishna Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, stated: “Hosting Miss World is a proud moment for Telangana. This festival will highlight our cultural roots, modern achievements, and global outlook. It’s an opportunity to showcase Telangana as a model for tourism, inclusivity, and development.”

Sri Patel Ramesh Reddy, Chairman of Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Limited, added: “Telangana is ready to offer the world a glimpse into its timeless traditions and global ambitions. Through this event, we aim to reinforce our identity as a safe, progressive, and welcoming destination for international events.”

72nd Miss World Festival - Telangana Program Itinerary & Venues

The 72nd Miss World Festival celebrations in Telangana will commence with the arrival of contestants at RGIA, Hyderabad on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of May, where they will be welcomed with a grand traditional ceremony. The Opening Ceremony on 10th May at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium will feature a vibrant parade-style presentation of Telangana’s folk and tribal dances, as over 100 contestants are introduced to the state — and to the world.

On 12th May, contestants will embark on a spiritual journey to Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar, followed by a heritage walk at Charminar and Laad Bazaar on 13th May. That evening, they will enjoy a royal welcome dinner at the historic Chowmahalla Palace accompanied by a live musical concert. On 14th May, the group will split for heritage tours—Group 1 to Warangal Fort, the 1000 Pillar Temple, and Bhadrakali Temple, while Group 2 will explore the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple, with a traditional Perini dance performance. On 15th May, Group 1 will visit the Yadagirigutta Temple, and Group 2 will engage in a handloom experiential tour at the UNWTO-recognized Pochampally village.

The itinerary continues with an introduction to medical tourism for Group 1 on 16th May, while Group 2 explores the ancient banyan tree at Pillalamarri in Mahbubnagar and visits ExperiumEco Tourism Park.

On 17th May, the competition starts when the Miss World Sports Finale will take place at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, followed by a guided tour of Ramoji Film City.

On 18th May, the contestants will visit the Telangana Police Integrated Command & Control Center (TGICCC) to understand the state’s safety and tourism initiatives, and later witness a 3D projection mapping of Telangana’s growth story at the Secretariat. The day will end with a carnival-style Sunday-Funday celebration at Tank Bund. On 20th and 21st May, the Continental Finale and an interactive session with entrepreneurs will be hosted at T-Hub. During the same period, selected contestants from Group 1 will attend an IPL match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, while Group 2 will participate in an Arts & Crafts Workshop with Telangana artisans at Shilparamam.

The Talent Finale is scheduled for 22nd May at Shilpakala Vedika.

On 23rd May, the Head to Head Challenge Finale will take place at Trident.

The Miss World Top Model and Fashion Final along with an interaction with Telangana fashion designers and a Jewellery/Pearl Fashion Show will take place on the same day. This fashion showcase continues on 24th May at Trident/HITEX.

On 26th May, HITEX will host the Beauty with Purpose event and a grand Gala Dinner featuring dance and cultural performances by renowned artists, along with a Telangana cuisine food festival. The grand culmination of the event will be the 72nd Miss World Festival Grand Finale on 31st May at HITEX, with a red carpet welcome and a coronation gala.

Srikant T.G, Business Head, HITEX (Hyderabad International Trade Expositions Limited), said, “HITEX is proud to host the 72nd Miss World pageant at the HITEX Arena. This prestigious international event underscores our commitment to bringing world-class experiences to Hyderabad and showcasing India on the global stage.”

The celebrations will conclude on 2nd June with Telangana State Formation Day at Raj Bhavan, where the new Miss World and the Continental winners will meet the Hon’ble Governor and Chief Minister over Hi-Tea.

Strengthening this vision, Trident has been signed on as the Official Hospitality Partner for Miss World 2025, bringing world-class comfort and service to the forefront of the festival experience. Gaurav K. Kumra, Vice President & General Manager, said: "As the official hospitality partner for the 72nd Miss World 2025, it's an honour to showcase our hotel and the spirit of Telangana — a state rich in heritage and progressive vision. We’re proud to reflect our service excellence and the vibrancy of our city. Together with my team, we look forward to delivering a truly memorable stay for all our guests."

With Telangana playing proud host to the 72nd edition of Miss World, the month-long celebration promises to leave a lasting impression on global audiences. As the festival unfolds across historic and modern venues, it gently weaves together heritage, hospitality, and aspiration—capturing the grace and global spirit of this iconic event.