New Delhi: Manika Vishwakarma is currently representing India at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand. Highlighting the country’s cultural heritage, she wore the Miss Universe India national costume titled ‘The Birth of Enlightenment’, which paid a fitting tribute to Buddhism.
Maniac wore a breathtaking voluminous looking golden dressAs NDTV reports, the host described Manika’s look, saying, “This look honors the sacred moment when Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Honoring a deeply spiritual event, I represent India,”
The extravagant floor-length dress was paired with a huge headpiece, adding a regal touch to her national attire.
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Manika Vishwakarma pays tribute to the spiritual moment in Buddhism when Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
She wrote on her Instagram handle, “The Birth of Enlightenment” – Miss Universe India’s national costume Inspired by the sacred origins of Buddhism in India, this magnificent costume pays homage to the moment when Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya – a moment that spread wisdom and peace across the world.
The outfit is crafted in royal gold and saffron colours, symbolizing divinity, purity and the eternal light of knowledge. The structure of the costume is derived from ancient temple architecture, resembling the golden pinnacles and stupas that grace the Buddhist monasteries of Sanchi and Bodhgaya. The intricate gold work depicts the patterns of the leaves of the Bodhi tree, beneath which the Buddha discovered the path to nirvana.
At the center of the dress shines the Dharma Chakra, the Wheel of Truth – an illuminated golden symbol representing the circle of life, the moral law and the Eightfold Path. The chakra is positioned as the central motif, emitting light to reflect the spread of Buddhist philosophy from India to the world.
A flowing saffron train falls from behind, echoing the robes of the monks who carry the Buddha’s message of compassion and meditation. The headdress, inspired by the shikharas (spires) of the temple, rises in ornate tiers of gold filigree and crystal, on which is a lotus bloom – symbolizing purity born from the earth, yet untouched by it.
As Manika Vishwakarma stands in Anjali Mudra, she symbolizes peace, reverence and unity – a reminder that India is not just the birthplace of Buddhism, but the cradle of global spirituality and wisdom.
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Manika Vishwakarma was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 in August.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant will take place on November 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Pakse, Thailand.