The Indian Weekender’s Mr & Ms Diwali Wellington contestants wowed the Diwali revellers at a very closely contested pageant at the Wellington Diwali 2018 event.

IWK’s much-anticipated personality contest at its first participation at Wellington Diwali saw six contestants- three of each male and female give a tough competition to win the big title.

The first round of the contest was held in Wellington in September of which the top six were selected for the semi-finals and the grand finale to be held at Wellington Diwali at TSB Arena. The top six contestants were Sanjotika Mala, Jeyakkannan Alagumuthu, Vandana Rastogi Kaushal, Abhinav Joshi, Krithika Muthukumaran and Shashank Khare.

Winner of the title Ms Diwali 2018, Wellington Vandana Rastogi Kaushal with her crown and sash with judge Rupal Solanki at the Wellington Diwali 2018  

The semi-final round was held just before the official ceremony that had the contestants do the ramp walk introduce themselves and describe their outfit and the significance to their culture, Q&A round, and perform a group dance. The six contestants were judged on different parameters such as introduction in 30-seconds, their outfits, their performances in the group dance and their answers in the Q&A round.

Winner of Mr Diwali 2018, Wellington Jeyakkannan Alagumuthu being put the winner sash and handed trophy by judge Suzzane Tamaki at Wellington Diwali Festival 2018

The contestants were judged by renowned theatre artist and former Mrs India-New Zealand Rupal Solanki, designer and Cultural Head of Wellington City Council Suzzane Tamaki and an Indian Weekender representative.

The grand finale saw the six contestants ramp walk on to the stage and then perform in the talent round. The crowd in the stadium erupted into applause and cheered as the contestants performed on the stage.

One of the prize sponsors of The Indian Weekender's Mr & Ms Diwali 2018, Wellington Rachna Dave (Mortgage Advisor- 0800 RACHNA) with Judge of the pageant Rupal Solanki at IWK booth- Wellington Diwali Festival 2018

With a very close scorecard- the judges ruled Jeyakkannan Alagumuthu as first Mr Diwali 2018 for Wellington for his overall performance and dance on Tamil medley songs in the final round that gained him a cheer that echoed in the Arena. Vandana Rastogi Kaushal was declared the first Ms Diwali 2018, Wellington in a tightly contested finale.

The Indian Weekender acknowledges and thanks the prize and travel sponsors of Mr & Ms Diwali 2018, Wellington- Eco Travels, Ria Money Transfer, New Zealand, Mortgage Advisor Rachna Dave (0800 RACHNA) and Carmento Immigration.