Diu City (Daman and Diu), Dec 25 : A beauty pageant was recently organized in Diu Island to mark its Liberation Day from Portuguese occupation.

Over 200 girls participated in the four-day event, which concluded on December 19.

Organizers said the show was aimed at boosting the morale of girls from the orthodox fisherman community, which prides itself in its ethnicity.

Participants were upbeat and grateful for the platform the show gave them.

“I participated in the Miss Diu contest donning a sari and then I became Miss Diu. I am so proud of this attire, which enhanced my beauty,” said Jyoti Negi, winner of the beauty pageant.

People attending the event said they were proud of their culture and wanted Diu to reach new heights of development.

“I want that this island remains not only a pearl, but a diamond necklace and it takes its name not only in India, but much further,” said Mohammad Afzal, the trainer of the participants of the pageant. (ANI)