Miss Universe 2023: Who is Divita Rai? Know all about India's ‘Sone ki Chidiya‘ at the beauty pageant

India delegate Divita Rai at Miss Universe: The stage is set for Miss Universe 2023 contest and 86 women will be competing for the crown this year. Among them, Divita Rai will be representing India. 

Creativity and a passion for learning led her to graduate from India’s top architecture program, assist in the set design for a film, and pursue a career in modelling in India’s fashion capital - Mumbai.

A firm believer in the power of education and inspired by her father’s struggles to educate himself, she aims to use her work and platform to make education more accessible to children, especially girls. By partnering with India’s top NGOs, she hopes to empower children with the freedom of choice.

Always willing to explore new versions of herself, Rai’s passions include - listening to music, cooking soulful recipes, and running. 

She turned many heads during the National Costume Round of the 71st Miss Universe pageant where she went on stage as a ‘Sone ki Chidiya‘ or ‘golden bird’, in a shiny golden outfit with wings. 

With flapping wings, Divita graced the stage — personifying India’s rich, cultural heritage. She also wore accompanying golden headgear and jewellery to complete the look. 

Designed by Abhishek Sharma, the outfit personified 'Sone Ki Chidiya', defined as 'the portrayal of India as the golden bird which is a symbol of the wealth of our rich cultural heritage along with the spiritual essence of living in harmony with diversity.'

Miss Universe 2023 will be broadcast from the Ernest N. Morial Convention in New Orleans. In addition to live streaming it on VIACOM 18-owned Voot, viewers in India can watch the gala event live on the official Facebook and YouTube accounts for JKN18 channel.