A woman holds a crown over the winning participant of the 2024 Miss Myanmar pageant.
Miss Myanmar is crowned during the Burmese American Community Institute's cultural and entertainment night on July 26, 2024. Credit: Provided photo/Burmese American Community Institute

The Burmese American Community Institute will host a free cultural and entertainment night on Friday, July 25. The event will include dances, a fashion show and the Miss Myanmar USA contest.

The pageant is a chance for Burmese community members who are ages 16 and older to build their resume, network with community leaders and win a $1,000 scholarship.  

Food that’s popular in Myanmar, a country formerly known as Burma, will be available for purchase, such as mala xiang guo, biryani and air-fried pork. The organization has extended the family-friendly celebration to all community members so people can connect with their Burmese neighbors. 

“We hope that you will join this historic event as we honor and celebrate our community achievements and contributions in Indiana,” said Miss Myanmar Nicole Van Lal Malsawmsangi in a video circulated by the Burmese American Community Institute on Facebook. 

Former inhabitants of Myanmar have lived in Indiana since the 1990s and the population has grown to over 40,000 residents, according to data collected by the Burmese American Community Institute. 

The event coincides with Burmese American Community Month, which was recognized by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in July 2023

If you go

The free event will be from 6-9 p.m. July 25 at Chin Evangelical Baptist Church, 5610 S. Meridian St. Online reservations are encouraged but not required.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.

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