New Delhi: Miss Universe Nepal Sophiya Bhujel wore a red outfit and held a trident in her hand to turn into Goddess Kali at the Miss Universe 2022. She walked the stage in a red sari with golden prints paired with a red blouse. The Nepalese model was participating in the National Costume Competition of Miss Universe in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Sophiya took her tongue out and painted her forehead with a third eye to turn into Goddess Kali, who represents strength and the destruction of evil. She also wore a nose ring and a golden necklace, while her costume represented ‘Shakti’, the divine feminine personified as a goddess. Her look gives a message that a woman is a ‘boundless source of energy’.
The Nepalese model, along with the other contestants, participated in a parade with the reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu during the costume round. The concept was brought in by Prerana Shah, a lifestyle consultant while the dress was designed by Women’s Planet Boutique owned by Sushma Singh.
Her costume best represented her country, which is known as a land of traditions and goddess worshipping. Her look has been making rounds on the internet since she walked on the stage as a goddess and has impressed netizens. People found it to be an apt representation of Nepal and a costume that is attached to the roots.
Beautiful & powerful ? Miss Nepal Sophia Bhujel showcased Hindu Religion & represented Nepal as Hindu Goddess Maa Kaali- the avatar of the Devi representing Shakti – power & strength, in the Miss Universe Pageant 2023 ?? #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/JojpJnvYmd
— Rosy (@rose_k01) January 14, 2023
Sophiya Bhujel, Miss Universe Nepal 2022 wears their national costumes in the Joan of Arc parade during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. #71stMissUniverse @annejknofficial @MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/HSt70eM4nd
— Héctor Joaquín (@HectorJoaquin) January 9, 2023
Good to see Miss Nepal Sophia Bhujel taking pride in Hindu culture!
She has presented herself as Mahakali… The Goddess of Ultimate Power.??? #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/XCsIOdXdr9— Stranger (@amarDgreat) January 14, 2023
Miss Universe 2022, held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, was supposed to be held last year but was postponed due to a clash of dates with the FIFA World Cup. The new Miss Universe will be crowned on January 14. Harnaaz Sandhu from India won the last edition of the Miss Universe contest, while Divita Rai is representing India this year.