A Landmark Moment for Odisha’s Cultural and Educational Landscape
Bhubaneswar is set to witness a historic occasion as the prestigious Femina Miss India 2026 grand finale will be hosted for the first time on a university campus. The event, scheduled for April 18, will take place at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), marking a proud milestone for both the institution and the state of Odisha.

Grand Welcome for Top 30 Contestants
The top 30 contestants from across India have already arrived at the KIIT and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campuses for the event titled “KIIT Presents 61st Femina Miss India 2026.” They received a warm and traditional welcome on April 13. KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta personally greeted the participants, extending Odisha’s renowned hospitality.

Celebrating Odisha’s Rich Heritage
As part of their stay, the contestants explored some of Odisha’s iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks, including the revered Jagannath Temple, the architectural marvel Konark Sun Temple, and the scenic Chandrabhaga Beach.

Coinciding with the Odia New Year, the contestants paid tribute to local traditions by donning traditional Odia sarees. Many described their experience at KIIT as “magical” and expressed their admiration for the cultural richness of the land of Lord Jagannath.

First-of-its-Kind Event in Eastern India
This marks the first time a national-level beauty pageant of this scale is being hosted on a university campus in Eastern India. The collaboration between the Times Group and Dr. Samanta was formalized in Mumbai in March, paving the way for this unique arrangements.

KIIT’s Journey to a Global Education Hub
Founded in the early 1990s, KIIT has grown from a technical institute into a globally recognized educational institution. Its sister institution, KISS, is known as the world’s largest tribal university, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive education and social development.

Blending Glamour with Social Impact
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Samanta, KIIT has successfully integrated education, culture, and social initiatives. Hosting a prestigious event like Femina Miss India further highlights Odisha’s emergence as a destination for major national events.

A Grand Celebration of Talent and Beauty
The grand finale on April 18 promises a spectacular showcase of intelligence, talent, and beauty. Contestants have already participated in various sub-events, including titles such as ‘KIIT Bhubaneswar Miss Sudoku’ and ‘Times Miss IQ’.

With this landmark arrangments, Bhubaneswar gains a new identity on the national stage—symbolizing the powerful blend of education, culture, and visionary leadership that continues to shape Odisha’s growth story.