Gunjan Saklani, 21, a resident of Sarkaghat in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh was crowned Winter Queen 2020 during a five-day-long national level Winter Carnival in Manali.
Arushi from Shimla was first runner-up while Shambhavi from Hamirpur was crowned second runner-up in the five-day-long event. The beauties had to do catwalk amidst snowfall in the final round on Monday night.
Gunjan, who is pursuing B Tech from Himachal University, contested with 25 beauties shortlisted for the beauty pageant. All contestants vying for the crown had a tough competition and had to undergo various rounds.
“My grandfather Kanshi Ram Saklani is my role model and my inspiration. I dedicate my victory to him and my parents. I have many beauty pageant titles but becoming winter queen is like a dream coming true. Now my aim is to become Miss India,” she told the media on Tuesday evening.
Born to Dinesh Saklani and Tanya Saklani, Gunjan added that the contest was tough as all participants were talented and well-groomed. Based on the “beauty with brain” criteria, she was chosen in the top five contestants in the final round. She said she wants to carry forward the message of “clean India, green India” to as many people as she can and she loves trekking and eating veg momos.
The final round started at 11:30pm on Monday night when temperature was below freezing point. The contestants had to wear thin gowns in the extreme cold condition. The winter queen was announced at 12:40am.
The Winter Carnival, the largest tourism event of Himachal, was celebrated between January 2 and 6 in the Manali town where 135 mahila mandals and 25 teams from Himachal and other states performed for five days. People enjoy singing competition Voice of Carnival, dance competitions, folk dances, fashion shows, baby shows and many more. Winter Queen Beauty Pageant remains the centre of attraction for all. Winter Queen 2019 Palak was also present in the final round.
Comments