The major international pageants of 2016 are over, and now is the rush for the 2017 representatives. One of the oldest pageants in India, Femina Miss India, is here with its 2017 edition. The Miss India pageant is organised by Femina, a women's magazine published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. The winner of Femina Miss India represents India at the Miss World pageant.

This year, the pageant has brought few major changes in its format and they are all worth mentioning. n its 54th year, fbb Colors Femina Miss India will be touring across 30 states which would be further segregated into two categories, State Auditions and State Crowning in Each Zone. So, it looks like this year the organisation is taking serious steps towards bringing forth a good contender to represent internationally. Segregating the auditions on different levels will help cover maximum regions of the country, and will increase the probability of getting more deserving candidates.

State auditions will be a one day event at the fbb store of all the states. The contestants shortlisted form the auditions will be advanced to the next level. The 30 states of the country will be segregated in 4 zones. Each zone will further have a crowning ceremony, and the zonal winner will then directly advance to Mumbai for the final audition.

Another change that is interestingly noticeable is that the Femina Miss India Organisation has waved off the Bikini round for audition. So, there will be no Swimsuit competition for the aspirants this year on audition level.

The organisation has also brought down the height criteria to 5.5” and above. Since, the Miss World Organisation itself states that they don’t really take the height into consideration while selecting the winner, it was only wise to bring down the age criteria down. This will again increase the probability to find a suitable contender to represent at the Miss World pageant.

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One major factor that the organisation has introduced this year is the mentor factor. As informed above that the 30 states of the country will be segregated into 4 zones, so there will be a separate mentor for the finalists of each zone. Which means the finalists will be groomed right from the state level in presence of the prominent mentors.

We love these major changes that the Miss India Organisation has introduced this year. What about you?