SHILLONG:
Ridamaya Passah, Ribhashisha Kharkongor, and Sairupa Wahlang walked away with the honours at The Loft Winter Queen pageant held at the U Soso Tham auditorium here on Friday evening.
While Ridamaya emerged as the winner, Ribhashisha and Sairupa bagged the first and second runner-up titles respectively. With age being no bar, the event showcased the beauty and talent of 14 contestants, each vying for the prestigious title and an opportunity to contribute to charity.
Competitors, in the quest for the coveted title, were enticed by incentives, including cash, crowns, and gifts. The winner took away Rs one lakh in cash, a crown, gifts, and an exclusive dinner for two at The Loft Cafe. The runners-up were also recognised, with the first receiving Rs 70,000 in cash, a crown, gifts, and a dinner for two, while the second received Rs 50,000 in cash, a crown, gifts, and a dinner for two.
The pageant tested the contestants’ poise, style, and intellect. The introduction round saw participants presenting themselves in traditional attire through video, setting the tone for the evening. The medieval round transported the audience to a bygone era as contestants adorned medieval costumes, exuding elegance and charm.
A festive touch was added with the Christmas round, featuring participants in Christmas-themed outfits. The evening gown round reached the pinnacle of elegance, with contestants gracing the stage in stunning evening gowns. Following this, a one-question round for all 14 contestants ensued, with each participant facing different questions based on the judge they selected.
Interspersed between the rounds were various performances with Shillong’s celebrated musician, Jessie Lyngdoh being the first to grace the stage. Accompanied by the talented Linna Dance Academy, the performance gained an extra layer of finesse.
Following this, the stage came alive with the Bella Dance Crew, an all-female ensemble established in 2022. The team of passionate dancers infused the event with energy and grace, showcasing their dedication and talent.
Adding a magical touch to the night was John Lanong, a magician captivating audiences since 2008. Starting with card games as a hobby, Lanong transformed his skills into a mesmerizing show, displaying his love for a good thrill and leaving the audience spellbound.
The top five contestants emerged, confronting a common question that injected an element of suspense and intellect into the competition. In a heartwarming gesture, the organizers emphasized that the proceeds from the pageant would contribute to charity, specifically benefiting the Mercy Home.
The judging panel comprised eminent individuals in their respective fields. Dr ED Suchiang, a doctor and owner of The Loft Café; S Marwein, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Butterfly clothing and accessories; Arif Mukhim, a renowned fashion designer; and Lee Middleton, a distinguished makeup artiste, brought their expertise to ensure a fair and discerning evaluation of the participants.
The Loft Café is the owner of Winter Queen while the event was managed by Meepo Management.