Talented winners: Nanthini (centre) flanked by first runner-up Theresamary (right) and second runner-up Seo.STUNNINGLY beautiful sarees seem to be synonymous with Deepavali.
In celebrating this traditional Indian garment, shoppers and visitors at Gurney Plaza got more than a public holiday during this recent Festival of Lights, they also got a parade of sequins and colours.
Having their ninth anniversary fall on Deepavali day this year, Gurney Plaza threw a double celebration by organising a Saree Queen Contest.
Twenty young women, aged 18 to 32, were selected to do battle for the crown in a gruelling three-round competition.
In round one, the finalists paraded in exquisite lehnga suits (a traditional outfit with a separate blouse and skirt accompanied with a shawl) while introducing themselves to the judges.
Pretty in sequins: A contestant modelling a lehnga suit in the Saree Queen Contest at Gurney Plaza in Penang.Grabbing the golden opportunity to make a good first impression were 25-year-old Amelia Lau Lay Im and 18-year-old student R. Nanthini who stood out from the others with their unique addresses.
Dressed in a stunning blue outfit, Lau executed some well-rehearsed Tamil addresses while wishing the crowd a “Happy Deepavali” while Nanthini spoke elegantly, welcoming the crowd in English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin.
Round two of the contest — the talent round — proved to be the most entertaining segment.
Although dancing and singing were the most popular choices among the pageant participants, those with unique talents were more memorable.
Among the stand-out performers was 24-year-old Shamina Md Amin.
After giving a smart introduction of what capoeira is (a Brazilian martial art form that combines martial arts, music and dance), the pretty clerk launched into a series of kicks, handstands and cartwheels, drawing applause from the crowd.
College student Melinda Lee Chee Ling, 19, also gained cheers with her magic show, the highlight of which was her performance with tiny lights that kept reappearing at her fingertips.
Credit also had to be paid to personal assistant Elaine Chee, who thought outside the box with her yoga performance.
Stretching her limbs in various difficult positions, Chee, 27, showed off her stretchability and balancing skills to the crowd.
In the third and final round, contestants paraded in resplendent sarees, all provided by Gayathiri Silk Saree’s Palace.
Garments bearing every colour of the rainbow (and more!) were modelled, provi-ding a beautiful display of colour and elegance.
In the end, Nanthini, who wowed the judges with her sitar playing during the talent competition, emerged as the contest winner.
Nurse P. Theresamary, 25, clad in a pink striped saree, clinched the runner-up spot while 16-year-old student Sherly Seo, who looked pretty in light pink, emerged second runner-up.
They each walked away with cash vouchers for jewellery, household items, clothes, make-up and other products along with a one-month gym subscription.
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