The 21-year-old beauty impressed the judges when she modelled her pink sari, striking 40 different poses.

The sari was adorned with thousands of sequins that shimmered in the evening last Saturday at the Vreed-en-Hoop Ferry Stelling on the West Bank of Demerara.

It was also decorated with blooming flowers, depicting the Spring season during which Hindus celebrate Phagwah.

For her talent piece, Indrani, who was sponsored by B&K International, dramatised a poem based on Phagwah, also referred to as the Festival of Colours.

Indrani is a schoolteacher and actively promotes Indian culture on the Essequibo Coast.

Her prizes include $100, 000 cash, compliments of King’s Jewellery World; a return air ticket to Trinidad, compliments of Unicon and Navindra Ramroop Auto Spares; a hamper of Sacha cosmetics, compliments of DM Sales; and a trip to Kaieteur Falls, compliments of Roraima Airways.

Indrani was crowned by Ms. Donna Ramdeen, the first Miss Phagwah crowned by Shree Ram Promotions.

Placing first runner-up was Shakti Nauth, while the second runner up was Kavita Mootoo. The other two finalists were Bindiya Bissoon, who placed third runner-up, and Simone Persaud, who was adjudged the fourth runner-up. Twelve contestants took part in the pageant.

According to Jairam, who is behind Shree Ram Promotions, the Miss Guyana Phagwah Pageant was a success.

The El Sadiek Band was the entertainer of the night, while side attractions included performances by the Tarana Dance Troupe and Nagara drumming.

Proceeds will go towards a new Shiv Ganga Mandir, according to Jairam. - (NEIL MARKS).