Mangalorean Women Shine in Dubai: A Pageant That’s More Than Just Glamour
The Mangalore Diva Middle East Miss & Mrs 2025 pageant wasn’t just about crowns and gowns—it was a celebration of strength, cultural pride, and the undeniable talent of Mangalorean women across the Middle East. Held on November 1 at the luxurious Hotel Ramee Dream Downtown in Dubai, this grand event crowned its winners in a night filled with elegance, empowerment, and unforgettable moments. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: this pageant doubled as a platform for personal growth, with two days of grooming and self-confidence training led by experts like Rhea Gopal, Preeti D’Souza, and Laxmi Sherin. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about beauty; it’s about building confidence and fostering self-awareness.
Organized by Priya Fernandes of Priya Fashions, in collaboration with Dechamma Poonacha, Sabitha Carlo, Gautham Bangera, Pavithra Shetty, and Manoj Shetty, the event showcased contestants in three stunning rounds: Ethnic, Fusion, and Western. Each round highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu, with designs by Jeevan Ghatti of Mantra – Mangaluru, and elegant gowns from Priya Fashions Boutique. The evening was hosted by the dynamic duo Errol Edwin Goveas and Sweeny Maria D’Souza, and kicked off with a breathtaking ramp walk by Deuela Patsy Paul in a pristine white gown.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some see pageants as a celebration of beauty, others argue they perpetuate unrealistic standards. What do you think? Is this event a step toward empowerment or a reflection of outdated ideals? Let’s discuss in the comments!
The winners were crowned by esteemed personalities Ronald Colaco and Jean Colaco, with runner-ups honored by Lanchu Lal of Astra Group and Samata Amin. The judging panel, featuring Meena Nirmala, Bhavana Santhosh, Siddharth Shetty, and others, evaluated contestants across all segments. The event was graced by VVIPs like Dr. Bu Abdullah, Kannan Ravi, and celebrity guests including Roopesh Shetty, Samata Amin, and Vineet Kumar, adding a touch of stardust to the evening.
In the Mrs. Category, Minu Jose took the crown, with Nayana Shetty and Asmitha Kotian as runner-ups. The TIA Miss Category saw Tanushree Shetty as the winner, followed by Shirley Crasta and Cynthia D’Souza. Subtitle winners in both categories were recognized for traits like confidence, congeniality, and creativity, with prizes including cash, gift hampers, and vouchers. The main winners also landed roles in an upcoming Tulu movie, with Tanushree Shetty becoming the face of Priya Fashions and Minu Jose representing Mangalore Diva.
Supported by media partners Daijiworld TV and Karnataka News, and social media collaborators like Moms of Mangalore, the event was a collaborative success. Sponsors included Dream Destination, Kudla Restaurant, and New Look Salon, among others. The evening concluded with a high-energy dance performance by Dance Central, leaving the audience in awe.
Organizers Priya Fernandes and her team expressed deep gratitude to all involved, emphasizing that this pageant is a testament to the resilience and grace of Mangalorean women. The event wasn’t just a competition—it was a movement, a celebration of identity, and a reminder that beauty is just one facet of a woman’s strength. Watch the complete show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-iqheYTx_b8 and decide for yourself: Is this pageant a step forward or a step back? Share your thoughts below!
