Hyderabad:Miss World contestants from 22 Asian and marine countries visited the Buddha in Nagarjuna Sagar as part of a Buddhist cultural tour on Monday. Before entering the park, the group stood on the ground, turned to the camera and said, “Hello World, Namaste, Telangana Zaroor Aana.”
This visit was conducted to give participants a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and the ancient links between India and peace and introspection. Officials from the Tourism Bureau escorted the team from Hyderabad to Nagajuna Sagar. The journey consists of a brief pause, with contestants taking pictures at Vijay Vihar next to the Krishna River.
A traditional dance near the stupa is welcomed by a team of Lambad performers. Dr. Shivanagi Reddy from the Archaeology and Tourism Department travels from Jataka Park to Stupa Vanam, strolls the group over the elements of the site and explains how each section represents the stages of the Buddha’s life.
At the Buddhist Park at the Buddhist theme park on the north bank of the river, contestants explored a series of installations and monuments dedicated to the life and teachings of Hautama Buddha. They laid flowers on the Buddha’s feet, lit the lamp in Mahastupa, and then meditated silently. Discussions about mental health also form an important part of their activities.
Deepu Sangapala, monk from Mahabodhi Society of Secunderabad, joined the event after completing a show in his own Vihara. He said: “I was invited to say a few words. The importance of the day. Some of them stepped forward to receive blessings. It made sense to people from many places in Telangana to talk about the Dharma.” He later added that the event was originally held on the next Sunday, but was ready to be in line with the Buddha.
The tour ends with a short theater performance based on the plot of the Jataka story. Regional collectors Ila Tripathi, Sp Sharath Chandra Pawar and local elected leaders participated in the event.
