Rishikesh: Preparations for the Miss Rishikesh beauty pageant in Uttarakhand faced a major disruption after a right-wing group intervened during auditions and rehearsals, citing concerns over the city’s cultural values. The group argued that the pageant promoted “Western culture” and was inappropriate for a sacred location like Rishikesh.
Organizers and participants were confronted by members of the group, who demanded the event be cancelled. A video of the confrontation quickly circulated online, drawing national attention. In the footage, a model firmly challenged the intruders, asserting, “You are no one to stop us,” defending her right to participate and questioning the authority of those disrupting the event.
The incident has ignited public debate about cultural policing and the autonomy of women in India. Many voices on social media criticized the intervention as regressive and patriarchal, emphasizing the right of women to choose their participation in public events without fear of intimidation. Civil society groups highlighted the importance of upholding freedom of expression and condemned attempts to impose narrow interpretations of cultural values on individuals.
Authorities in Rishikesh are reportedly monitoring the situation to ensure safety for the participants and organizers. The controversy reflects broader tensions between traditionalist views and contemporary expressions of culture, particularly in spaces that attract both local and international attention.
The Miss Rishikesh incident underscores the challenges faced by women asserting their agency in public forums, while spotlighting ongoing debates around cultural norms, freedom, and the right to self-expression in India.
