Kathmandu: Punamkali, a 40-year-old elephant, has won the title of Miss Elephant Beauty 2082 on the second day of the ongoing 19th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival-2082 in Sauraha.
Punamkali outperformed four other elephants to clinch the title, securing 250 points out of a total 300. She is affiliated with Hotel Landmark, Pokhara.
According to Binod Timilsena, manager of the United Elephant Operation Cooperative Society Limited, the co-organiser of the festival, Selfiekali, Champakali, Poojakali and Samriddhikali competed in the contest.
Selfiekali, a 20-year-old elephant affiliated with Hotel Gautam, Bardibas, secured second place with 235 points, while Champakali, a 35-year-old elephant affiliated with Heritage Travel, Kathmandu, came third with 224 points.
Similarly, Poojakali, a 40-year-old elephant affiliated with Hotel Srinagar, Palpa, finished fourth, while Samriddhikali, aged 26 and affiliated with Himalaya Social Journey, secured fifth place.
Dr Amir Sadoula, a veterinarian at the National Trust for Nature Conservation, said the evaluation criteria included the elephant’s behaviour, cleanliness, grooming, beauty, decoration, health condition, level of care, and the relationship between the elephant and its caretaker.
“The final decision is based on points awarded for discipline, coordination between the elephant and caretaker, obedience to commands, and overall care and management,” Dr Sadoula said.
The festival is being held at Baghmara Ground in Sauraha, with Ratnanagar Municipality as the patron and the United Elephant Operation Cooperative Society Limited as co-organiser. The festival is held annually in late December.
