NEW DELHI: The organisers of the Mrs Universe Earth, which is being held in Goa this year have announced that in order to promote traditional Goan arts and crafts, their India finalist Shashi Khushi Rai will don a traditionally woven Kunbi saree.
The Goan Kunbi saree is an indigenous, ethnic, sturdy cotton handloom garment, traditionally worn by the Kunbi tribal community in Goa and Maharashtra, featuring a distinct red and white or red and black checkered pattern (known as Kapad), a thick, contrasting border that varies from region to region. It also has a shorter, comfortable drape perfect for field labor and worn by women who not just work at home, but also in the fields, putting in hours of hard labour.
The Mrs Universe Earth, international pageant and mega fashion event will be held in Goa, in June this year and representing India among 120 other nations will be the 35-year-old Shashi Khushi Rai.
Shashi Khushi Rai was chosen after several rounds of auditions in different parts of India. About 500 women auditioned for the pageant and auditions were conducted during February and March in more than 10 cities of India, including New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhopal, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, besides others.