Laishram Shilla Chanu of Pishum Ningom Leikai in Manipur’s Imphal West district walked away with the coveted Meitei Chanu 2017, a beauty pageant title during a beauty contest organised in a traditional way at the Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre located at Palace Compound in Imphal on Saturday night.
Saikhom Dhapheni of Khongman Zone five in Imphal East district and Laishram Sonia Chanu of Pallel in Kakching district won the first and second runner-up title respectively.
On the other hand Seram Priyasarsini of Khongman Atom Leirak in Imphal East bagged sub-title award for beautiful smile while L Shilla got beautiful hair title. Oinam Merina of Sagolband Tera Khuraijam Leirak and Huidrom Anuradha won sub-title award for best catwalk and congeniality respectively.
Lainingthou Sanamahi Sanapung, a local body in Manipur organised the Meitei Chanu 2017 event with an aim to make Meitei women understand the tradition and customs of the sacred Sanamahi religion in the state.
As part of the beauty pageant, the contestants had undergone several stages before the grand finale. On December 12, the contestants visited Kumbi Old Age Home, where they were examined on how they attend the elders. Later the contestants were taken to Kangla Fort in Imphal to induce them about historical and cultural milieu of the old palace of Manipur.
The contestants also took part in preparation of different indigenous cuisines of Manipur besides performing ‘Sumang Wai Teiba’, a household activity of Meitei women prior to the grand finale.