Assam’s Priyama Barbara Brings Bihu, Sattriya and Assam’s Heritage to Global Stage at Mrs Global Universe 26

Guwahati: Assam’s Priyama Barbara has represented India at the international pageant Mrs Global Universe 2026, using the global platform to showcase the culture, traditions and identity of her home state.

The international pageant was held from July 7 to 12, 2026, bringing together 43 contestants from across the world. Barbara proudly represented India and secured the 1st Runner-Up position in the Talent Round, where she performed Assam’s traditional Bihu dance to the music of the late singer Zubeen Garg.

For Barbara, however, the international journey was about much more than a pageant title. Her presentations were designed to tell the story of Assam through its music, dance, traditional attire, art, heritage and natural identity.

For the National Costume Round, she wore an elegant Sattriya-inspired ensemble handcrafted in Pat Silk, incorporating elements including the traditional Gamusa and masks from Majuli. Her presentation also featured artistic representations of Assam’s tea gardens, one-horned rhinoceros, Kamakhya Temple, Rang Ghar, Majuli, Umananda and the Brahmaputra.

Barbara also dedicated the presentation to Zubeen Garg, describing him as a legendary figure whose voice carried the soul of Assam across the world.

Adding another achievement to her international journey, Barbara was also honoured with the Mrs Wellness subtitle, recognising her focus on fitness, healthy living and overall well-being.

Currently living in Bengaluru for work, Barbara says her connection with Assam remains an important part of her identity. Speaking to Guwahati Times, she reflected on her international pageant experience, the challenges of preparation and her effort to take Assam’s culture to a global audience.

Q: What does representing India, and especially Assam, on an international platform mean to you personally?

Priyama Barbara: Representing India, and especially Assam, on an international platform is a matter of immense pride for me. Assam is a very important part of who I am, and I wanted to carry a piece of my home with me.

For me, the pageant was not only about representing myself. It was also an opportunity to showcase our music, dance, traditions, art and culture to people from different parts of the world.

Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced while preparing for Mrs Global Universe 2026?

Priyama Barbara: Preparing for the international stage was challenging both creatively and physically. One of the most special parts was preparing my outfits and costumes.

I designed all my gowns myself, sourced the fabrics and materials, and worked on the stitching and finishing with my own hands, while also taking the help of a few local tailors. It required a lot of time, effort and patience.

Knowing that every outfit carried a little bit of my own effort, along with the support of people back home, made the process very meaningful.

Q: You competed alongside 43 contestants from around the world. What was your reaction when you won 1st Runner-Up in the Talent Round?

Priyama Barbara: It was a very emotional and proud moment for me. I was honoured to finish as the 1st Runner-Up in the Talent Round among 43 contestants from different parts of the world.

What made it even more special was that I was representing Assam through Bihu. Standing on an international platform and presenting something so deeply connected to my roots was an unforgettable experience.

Q: Why did you choose Bihu for the Talent Round?

Priyama Barbara: Bihu is a beautiful representation of Assam and its people. It carries our energy, happiness, traditions and cultural identity.

At the national competition, I had performed Bihu to the music of our beloved Zubeen Da. When I went to the international pageant, I wanted to continue that connection.

So I performed Bihu once again to Zubeen Da’s music. It was my way of taking Assam and his music with me to the global stage.

Q: Your National Costume presentation featured so many symbols of Assam. What story did you want to tell through it?

Priyama Barbara: I wanted the costume to tell the story of Assam even without words.

I wore a Sattriya-inspired traditional ensemble handcrafted in Pat Silk and incorporated the Gamusa and traditional masks from Majuli. Along with these, I included my own artwork representing the one-horned rhinoceros, tea gardens, Majuli, Rang Ghar, Umananda and the Brahmaputra.

Each element represents a different part of Assam — its culture, heritage, nature and people.

I also dedicated the presentation to Zubeen Da because his music carried the soul of Assam to audiences far beyond the state. With immense pride, I wanted to carry a piece of my home onto the global stage.

Q: You were also honoured with the Mrs Wellness subtitle. What does that recognition mean to you?

Priyama Barbara: Wellness is not only about physical fitness. For me, it is about healthy living, inner well-being, confidence and maintaining balance in life.

Receiving the Mrs Wellness subtitle was therefore very meaningful because it recognised something that has been an important part of my journey.

Q: What message would you like to give to women from Assam and the Northeast who dream of representing themselves and their culture globally?

Priyama Barbara: I would tell them to believe in themselves and never feel that their roots are a limitation.

Our culture, traditions and identity can become our greatest strength. Whether it is music, dance, art, fashion or any other field, we should be proud of where we come from and have the confidence to share it with the world.

For me, this journey has been about much more than a crown. It has been about discovering my voice, embracing my roots and finding a meaningful way to represent them.

From performing Bihu on a national stage to showcasing Assam’s stories through music, art and costume in Singapore and Malaysia, every step has reminded me that our roots can quietly become our greatest strength.