VHP Hyderabad Opposes Miss World Events at Telangana Temples, Calls It ‘Cultural Jihad’
Hyderabad: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly opposed the plan to host Miss World 2024 events at temples and other sacred sites in Telangana, labeling it a ‘cultural jihad.’ The organization has demanded that the Telangana government immediately revoke its decision to hold pageant-related events at revered locations such as **Ramappa Temple, Yadagirigutta, and Ananthagiri Hills.
Telangana is set to host the 72nd Miss World pageant** this year, with the official announcement made by Julia Morley, chairperson and CEO of Miss World Limited, and Smita Sabharwal, Secretary of Telangana’s Tourism, Culture, Heritage, and Youth Affairs Department**. The event will take place between May 4 and May 31
VHP Calls Miss World at Sacred Sites a ‘Disrespect’
VHP’s State Joint Secretary Ravinuthala Shashidhar condemned the move, stating, It is a shame to organize obscene pageants like Miss World at holy places such as Yadagirigutta, Ramappa Temple, and Ananthagiri Hills. Our society will not tolerate this disrespect.”* He accused the government of **tarnishing the state's cultural heritage**.
### **Miss World Pageant in Hyderabad: A Global Tourism Push**
The **opening and closing ceremonies**, including the **Grand Finale**, will take place in **Hyderabad**. However, the **Telangana government aims to showcase the state’s rich heritage** by featuring events at iconic locations such as:
✅ **Ramappa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)**
✅ **Yadagirigutta (Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple)**
✅ **Kawal & Amrabad Tiger Reserves**
✅ **Historic Forts & Cultural Landmarks**
With participants from 140 countries**, the pageant will also **promote Telangana’s local cuisine, traditional textiles like Pochampally and Narayanpet, and Hyderabad’s global brand identity**.
**Contestants will arrive on May 4**, and the **Grand Finale on May 31** will see reigning Miss World **Krystyna Pyszková crown her successor**.
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