By Saraswati |Business Bhutan

Two years ago, a dream came true for the 24-year-old Tshokye Tshomo Karchung when she was crowned the first Miss Bhutan.

The night that ended with celebrations gave hopes to young girls who went to bed that night dreaming about the Nu 45,000 worth Miss Bhutan crown.

But, many hearts sank, when it was announced that there would be no Miss Bhutan contest in 2009.

However, MPC Bhutan, the organizers of the first pageant is back with the second edition of the competition – The Miss Bhutan Pageant 2010.

Young Bhutanese girls between 17 and 28 years of age and standing a minimum of 5’4 feet can start registering for the contest from today till June 20.  Beauty Queen aspirants can register for free via internet or through 28 pageant agents across the country.

“This year the event will be bigger, interesting and more popular than Miss Bhutan 2008, said Karma Tshering, the director of MPC Bhutan entertainment. Asked how different the pageant would be, he said, “a group of jury members will travel all over the country and select candidates.

This year, the main competition will start with beauties representing their dzongkhag. “This is to encourage maximum participation,” he added.

The organizers are planning to give better prizes: possibly a car and free tickets to Bangkok for the top three contestants.

Unlike last time, the hunt for Miss Bhutan 2010 will last for four months. The auditions will last a month and a minimum of five girls will be selected from each dzongkhag.

“I wonder if there will be any participation from Gasa and Dagana,” said Karma Tshering.

The girls will undergo grooming sessions by experts from India and Philippines, and attend orientation by officials from various departments in the country.

The contestants will also participate in social service programs and advocate the people on AIDS, drug abuse and initiate clean up campaigns. A women marathon will also take place as a part of the event.  A drama troop will also accompany the beauties for the dzongkhag tours.

According to Karma Tshering, the contest will have a preliminary round, a week ahead of the finale. All the shortlisted participators will be availed to grooming programs including food, lodging and travel.

Talking to Business Bhutan, the director said, “The Gross National Happiness round has been omitted due to controversies last time.” Asking if the contestants will have a bikini round, he said, “No.”

Miss Thailand, Charm Reya Osthanod is sponsoring the evening gowns for the contestants. The organizers are bringing in award winning photographers, hairdressers, makeup man from Bangkok. For the grand finale, Karma Tshering is looking into inviting a Bollywood beauty queen including Miss Thailand.

Seven judges, two foreigners and five Bhutanese will consist the jury for hunting the next Miss Bhuta