Every May, the Indian Club hosts the prestigious May Queen event, a tradition they have upheld for over 60 years. This event crowns a winner and acknowledges the first and second runners-up. This year, the competition featured 25 women representing India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, showcasing a diverse range of cultures. The May Queen competition is inclusive, welcoming all women regardless of marital status, age, or background. The theme for this year’s event was body positivity.
Special Thanks
We extend our gratitude to the event director and organizer Tina Mathew, Entertainment Director Ameena Rahman, Stylist Zera Johnson, Pageant Choreographer and Stylist Karun Raman.
Event Highlights
This year’s event spanned three weeks, a first in its history. Here are the details of each day’s activities:
Day 1: Casual and Talent Round
The first day featured the casual and talent rounds. The 25 participants presented their casual outfits and displayed their talents on stage. The audience was treated to a variety of performances, including traditional Indian dances such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi, as well as singing and acting.
Despite the enjoyment, the event faced some organizational challenges. Although the event was scheduled to start at 5:30 PM, it did not commence until 7:30 PM and continued until late.
Day 2: Costume Round
The second day was dedicated to the costume round, which was the most time-consuming. Each participant wore a costume representing their state or country, showcasing their creativity and dedication. The intricate makeup and detailed outfits reflected the unique cultural heritage of each participant. Many women also wore banners with intricate designs from their respective regions, adding an extra layer of cultural representation to their ensembles.
The same issues we faced during day 2 as well, unorganized but this time the event ended at 12.
Day 3 – Final Round
The final round of the Indian Club May Queen 2024 was the most anticipated and stressful segment of the event. Here are the key highlights and some of the challenges faced during this exciting evening. The ticket price for the final round was 5 BD. This year, the event took place outdoors in the usual car parking area, causing significant parking difficulties for attendees. The venue was crowded with food stalls and a stadium packed with audience. Despite the crowd, we managed to secure front-row seats, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the contestants.
Event Segments
- Sari Round: Contestants showcased beautiful saris adorned with beautiful Indian jewelry and hairdos. Each participant introduced herself and answered a question on a chosen topic.This segment lasted for two hours, which was challenging for the participants who had to stand in high heels and saris.
- Casual Round: Sponsored by R&B, the contestants wore outfits selected from the brand. The round featured several categories, including work wear, bright colors, blacks and browns, and sportswear, with all contestants looking confident.
- Evening Gown Round: The evening gowns (sponsored by H&H) were stunning, with participants looking glamorous despite the late hour.
Judges
The panel of judges for the final round included :
- Mrs. Nadine, a former Mrs. Universe from Egypt.
- Mrs. Nadeeka, Mrs. Queen of the World from Sri Lanka.
- George Mathew, a renowned photographer.
Winners
- 2nd Runner-Up: Ishika Pradeep
- 1st Runner-Up: Astral Cutinha
- May Queen 2024: Mary Annin Jacob
Overall Reflection
The Indian Club May Queen 2024 celebrated diversity, talent, and body positivity. Each day brought out the best in the participants, highlighting their strengths and cultural pride. However, there were notable areas for improvement in organization and timing, which, if addressed, could elevate future events.
The May Queen event remains a cherished tradition, bringing together communities and showcasing the incredible talents of women from different backgrounds. With continued dedication and improved planning, the Indian Club can ensure that this tradition grows even more successful and inclusive in the years to come.