Kathmandu - Maoist pressure and threats from female activists has forced the indefinite postponement of Nepal's biggest beauty pageant, officials and media reports said Thursday.

The Dabur Batika Miss Nepal 2008 pageant was scheduled to start Thursday but was put off indefinitely, said Girendra Man Rajbanshi, managing director of Hidden Treasure, an event organizer that puts on the show each year.

Rajbanshi said opposition from Maoist members in the government's constituent assembly as well as threats against participants and organizers forced the postponement.

"We are currently holding talks with Maoist lawmakers and women activists to reschedule the event at some other time," Rajbanshi said.

The Maoist have opposed the beauty pageant, calling it "anti-women activities inspired by capitalist elements."

The Maoists tried to stop the event last year as well but were unable to do so after police stopped activists from entering the hall were the show was held.

"Such contests send wrong messages to the society as they emphasize physical beauty rather than intellectual ability," the Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted an unnamed Maoist lawmaker as saying.

The annual Miss Nepal contest began in 1994 with the winner representing Nepal at the annual Miss World contest. (dpa)