Hampi, (DHNS): Nineteen former Miss Worlds walked the ramp on the Gayatri Peetha stage at the Hampi Utsav in the wee hours of Sunday, much to the joy of the crowd.

The fashion show was organised for the first time as part of the Utsav. The show, which began at 1.30 am, went on till 2.30 am.

Actor Diganth inaugurated the fashion show by walking the ramp in royal attire. Local models set the stage on fire in costumes designed by Ashok Mane. This was followed by the catwalk by the former Miss Worlds. Models doing the catwalk wore both India and Western outfits.

The former Miss Worlds were from 19 countries, including Kosovo, Mauritius, Serbia, Ukraine and Britain. As actor Aindrita Ray, draped in a saree, arrived on the stage in a palanquin, the crowd's delight reached a crescendo.

The audience greeted the beauties walking the ramp with whistles and applauses. Artistes in traditional Yakshagana attires also mesmerised the crowds.

Curtains fell on the three-day extravaganza on Sunday evening. A total of 405 cultural programmes were held on 11 stages as part of Hampi Utsav. Martial arts, kabaddi and volleyball also enthralled the crowds.

Singers from Sandalwood and Bollywood, including Shaan., added zest to the event with their musical nites.

The Gayathri Peetha stage itself was a cynosure of all eyes. The majestically flowing Tungabhadra and the green agriculture fields provided the perfect background for the royal court of yore, which formed the stage for the Utsav fashion show and the other events.