What began as a simple online contest fueled by a love for culture, Bhaju & Mayju Sikkim has gradually become a symbol of Newar identity revival among the youth. The competition doesn’t merely crown winners—it instills pride, traditional knowledge, and a deep yearning in Sikkimese youth to be seen, heard, and to shine through their roots. Each passing season marks the vibrant heartbeat of an awakening community: proud of its origins, immersed in its heritage, and committed to shaping a brighter future through the vivid hues of its culture. Bhaju & Mayju is not just a platform to select beauty—it is where the true beauty of heritage and youthful spirit is celebrated in its fullest glory.
From the phone screen to a community’s heart – Beginning of a silent revival
In 2018, amid a world increasingly driven by technology and drifting youth away from their roots, two proud Newar sons—Bhaju Sishir Pradhan and Bhaju Sushen Pradhan—chose a quiet yet courageous path: launching a traditional beauty contest… through social media. No stage, no spotlight, no red carpet—just photographs in traditional Newar attire shared online for the community to vote on. Yet it was precisely this simplicity that allowed Bhaju & Mayju Sikkim to spark a silent wave of cultural awakening in the hearts of young people.
Outfits once forgotten were worn again with pride. Newar dances, expressions, and smiles lit up Instagram and Facebook feeds, as if culture had found its way back—through fingertips swiping across screens.
Stage lights blending in with identity – Breakthrough moments of a contest
Just a year later, in 2019, Bhaju & Mayju Sikkim stepped into the real world with its first heartfelt offline event. Despite limited funding, passionate young culture enthusiasts built a stage where contestants didn’t just perform—they told the story of their people with every step down the catwalk.
Under the guidance of Mayju Anisha Pradhan, along with Bhaju Sushen and Sishir, the program stood out for its kindness in organization and depth in content. Contestants didn’t just compete—they learned to live in harmony with tradition: how to properly tie the ceremonial headscarf, and the spiritual meanings behind each piece of jewelry.
Audience members—from elders to schoolchildren—were moved to tears by the deep Newar spirit radiating from a beauty they once thought was lost. The contest transformed into a cultural ritual—a meeting ground between generations, spoken through the language of beauty and pride.
Maturing with the heritage – Journey of initiating and guiding the youth
By 2022, Bhaju & Mayju had grown beyond a mere contest—it had become a school of identity. With the addition of Mayju Priya Pradhan and cultural advisor Bhaju Bikash Pradhan, who also serves as the Secretary of Culture, the program evolved into a short-term cultural training course, thoughtfully designed to educate and inspire.
From the history of the Newar people and the meanings behind traditional rituals to communication skills, performance style, and the art of storytelling—the contestants underwent holistic training. Themed sharing sessions and interactive classes extended far beyond the framework of a beauty pageant, becoming a true space for cultural education. Here, young people who once felt shy about not speaking their mother tongue or not knowing how to wear traditional attire began to rediscover themselves. Some cried the first time they were addressed by their traditional names. Others wrote in their journals about learning that their ancestors were renowned artisans. And together, they all grew—not just through knowledge, but through the newfound belief that they are not lost; they belong, and they have roots.
From the village of Sikkim to the Northeastern stage – When identity becomes the honor
By 2023, the competition had truly “leveled up” as winners of Bhaju & Mayju received special invitations from two of Northeast India’s major beauty platforms—Posititude Miss Sikkim Universe and the Northeast Pageant. No longer just an internal celebration, Bhaju & Mayju had now become an official gateway, ushering young Newar representatives into the regional spotlight.
The organizing team also became more diverse and dynamic with the participation of Mayjus Anju, Geetanjali, Pratiksha, and Bhaju Akash Pradhan. They brought not only youthful energy but also helped shape a professional, compassionate, and aspirational approach to the event. From outfits inspired by modernized traditional motifs to story-driven introduction videos, every element was crafted with one clear goal: to show the world the beauty of the Newar people, along with the depth of their culture, pride, and civilizational strength.
Bhaju & Mayju Sikkim is not a conventional beauty pageant. It is a spiritual space—a place where young people are ignited with pride in their heritage and are given the tools to retell the story of their people in the language of the 21st century. No national dress is truly beautiful if the wearer does not understand why their ancestors chose to weave it that way. No language can survive if the youth refuse to speak it. And no heritage can remain alive if it exists only in history books. Bhaju & Mayju is a declaration—made through visuals, through words, through the radiant gaze of the youth: “We are Newar, and we will never forget that.”
Mavis | Cameron Truong
