In Brief
- Kaziranga- inspired look: Anshulaa Baruah showcased a costume inspired by Assam's iconic Kaziranga National Park.
- Culture meets fashion: The outfit blended Assamese heritage with modern pageant style.
- Conservation message: The look highlighted Kaziranga's iconic one-horned rhinoceros.
- Assam in spotlight: Anshulaa brought Assam's culture and heritage to the national stage.
Anshulaa Baruah, a teenage girl from Assam secured her spot as one of the 52 finalist via a wildcard entry, wearing a metallic silver outfit with sculpture rhinoceros motifs to symbolize strength, resilience and a 'guardian of the forest', at Miss Universe India 2026.
The creative outfit was brought to life by local designers Aaki and Ajan’s Fashion and Lifestyle, serving as the centrepiece of the event. The designers used a bold metallic-silver treatment to create a regal, mythical aesthetic that captured attention and brought the pride of Assam into the national spotlight. The dramatic ensemble was a direct tribute to Kaziranga National Park, capturing the state’s natural heritage and spirit of conservation.
Beauty contests today increasingly provide contestants with a platform to celebrate their roots, tell stories about their communities, and draw attention to issues beyond fashion and appearance. By choosing Kaziranga as her inspiration, Anshulaa drew attention to one of Assam’s most valuable natural and cultural symbols.
