By KATHERINE HOBY
It was a proud moment for the multicoloured figures who floated down the stage and stood calmly, ready to grace the catwalk for Miss Indianz 2003.
After a tense wait, South African-born Nirene Naidoo was crowned Miss Indianz 2003 on Saturday night.
First runner-up was Shalvina Govind, a
Fijian-born Indian. Nasreen Dubash, born in Mumbai, India, was second runner-up.
All the winners in the contest, held at the Logan Campbell Centre in Greenlane, were from Howick.
For the contestants who enter the pageant, it is something to hold their heads high about.
In contrast to some of the low turnouts for homegrown shows, and the stigma that normally goes with entering a beauty pageant these days, the buzz around some of the ethnic-oriented shows is huge.
Rhythm House director and show organiser Dharmesh Parikh said about 2700 people went to the show, which was one of the biggest events for the Indian community.
People had travelled from all over New Zealand to watch.
He said members of the Indian community wanted to show off their best talents.
"The community is proud of its culture, its fashion, its art and want to share that with local Kiwis."
The show was also a chance for Indian communities nationwide to reunite, share stories and spend an evening together.
"We like to see that traditions have not been lost. It does the community's heart good to know some of the old values are still strong.
"Performers and contestants especially are determined to show their love of Indian music, dance, fashion, and beauty.
"Love for culture, country and self is strong in Indian women - and we want to show that."
All contestants must be aged 17 to 25, of Indian origin and single.
