This Article is From Dec 29, 2010

Why this beauty pageant skipped a swimsuit round

Why this beauty pageant skipped a swimsuit round

Image courtesy: ekantipur.com

Kathmandu: They didn't have a swimsuit round. But other than that, the divas that competed at a beauty pageant in Nepal's Chitwan National Park were exceptionally well-groomed.

For elephants, that is.

There were six of them in the running - more in a slow amble, really - for Miss Elephant Internationally.

They were judged not only for their ramp-walking, but also for how lean they are, their health, discipline and adornment.

Twenty eight-year-old Chanchalkali, in pink with a red hood, her nails trimmed and painted, walked away with the honours followed by Dhirendrakali, 35, and Basantakali, 40.

Chandrakali is apparently built for stardom - she uprooted the victory flag to pass it on to her mahout as the crowds and judges cheered for her.

The pageant was held to popularise the tourist resort which is Nepal's third biggest draw after Kathmandu and Pokhra.
.