Junior Nicky Kandola participated in the annual Miss India Washington D.C. Pageant on Sept. 27 at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Rockville, Maryland.

The Pageant has three categories: Indian attire, evening gown and talent. Each contestant performs and presents before judges, who then announce the top five contestants.

“I’ve always dreamed about being in a pageant,” Kandola said. “Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t nervous because I have a strong passion to perform and it felt natural to me when I was up on stage.”

Kandola performed a Bollywood-fusion dance combined with classical Indian dancing and modern Bollywood for the talent round. For the evening gown, Kandola wore an American gown. Lastly, Kandola wore a traditional Indian-styled dressed for the Indian wear category.

“I really felt proud of who I am and where I’ve come from having done all these cultural performances,” Kandola said.

Only 12 girls are accepted into the pageant from the D.C area, and the top three D.C. contestants compete nationwide in New York City. The winner of that pageant moves on to the international portion. Kandola placed third runner up and fourth overall in the pageant.

“I fell in love with pageants [when] I was a little girl,” Kandola said. “Having watched various pageants such as Miss America, it really brought joy to me and became a dream. Not only that but I feel as if it was a wonderful opportunity for me to showcase my individual talent in a culturally enriching event.”

Girls from all over D.C audition for the pageant to showcase their talents and to be involved in a major cultural event.

“It was an experience I will never forget,” Kandola said. “I am so happy and grateful that I got to meet such an amazing group of girls who seemed more like sisters than competitors. I have really learned more about my culture, heritage, and especially about the wonderful Indian community in the D.C area.”

The next Miss India D.C Pageant auditions will be held in early April of 2015.

“Pageants are not about your appearance and how beautiful you are; it’s about your confidence and inner beauty,” Kandola said. “Believe in yourself and let your confidence shine. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, and don’t think less of yourself because you are one of a kind.”