Representing India at the 71st edition of the Miss Universe pageant is 25-year old Divita Rai.

For the National Costume round, she embodied ‘Sone ki Chidiya‘ in an magnificent golden ensemble.

Designed by Abhishek Sharma, the outfit is inspired from the ethereal portrayal of India as the golden bird.

The golden bird symbolises the wealth of India’s rich cultural heritage along with the spiritual essence of living in harmony with diversity.

The intense gold metallic hand embellishments is a true example of the finest craftsmanship of our artisans, Rai said in an Instagram post.

Made from a hand-woven tissue fabric from Chandheri District of Madhya Pradesh, the lehenga with the drape represents the image of a modern India.

The wings represent the power of nourishment & care that India has shown in the difficult times towards the citizens of the world & stood as a support with the notion of “One World One Family”, Rai wrote in the post.

The national costume in its true sense is the essence of modern India and its approach to progressive thinking, Rai posted.

The pageant will take place on January 14 at the Ernest N. Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, US.

Over 80 delegates from across the globe will be competing for the crown.

The winner will be crowned by Harnaaz Sandhu, the reigning Miss Universe