Imphal: A beauty contest aimed at preserving and promoting traditional Meitei culture and way of life was held on Saturday evening at Bhagyachandra open air theatre here. This was the second edition of the beauty contest.

Laishram Shilla Chanu won the Meitei Chanu 2017 title while Saikhom Dapheni and Laishangthem Sonia Chanu were first and second runners-up respectively.

Shilla said: "The Meitei Chanu contest is quite different from other beauty contests as it is organised to promote Meitei tradition which is fast getting eroded. This experience has made me aware of our culture."

Shilla, a student of Manipur College, Imphal, participated in the beauty contest last year, but could not win. This year she faced difficulties in preparing for the pageant as she had to concentrate on her BA third semester exams.

On the current unity issue in the state, Shilla said, "All should come together, help each other and promote love among different communities and this will help the state to prosper." Shilla is from Pishum Ningom Leirak, Imphal West, Saikhom from Khongman Zone-5, Imphal East and Laishangthem Sonia is from Pallel, Kakching. The winner received Rs 1 lakh while the runners-up got Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

Elangbam Suchitra Chanu and Oinam Merina Chanu bagged the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Shilla also got award for ningthibi samlang (best hair), Seram Priyadashani bagged the award for nigthibi minok (best smile), The other awardees were Oinam Merina Chanu for ningthibi khongthang (best walk) and Heikham Anuradha Chanu for thouganlon changkhonbi (best manners). They got Rs 10,000 each.

The costume-based beauty pageant had three rounds. The introductory round was Ayukki Yenda, that depicted costumes of Meitei women at daybreak.

The Lai Haraoba round involved the beautiful attire of the dance. The Ake Amou round highlighted Meitei traditional wear during ceremonies. The contest was organised by the Lainingthou Sanamahi Sanapung, a social organisation, by forming a committee under the guidance of titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba.