Goa welcomes home its crowned star

Despite the scorching afternoon heat, Goans turned out in large numbers to welcome home Femina Miss India World 2026, Sadhvi Sail, as she returned triumphantly with the crown. From aartis and autographs to bouquets, cheers and radiant smiles, the homecoming was nothing short of celebratory.


Sadhvi chose to begin her return in Vasco — the town where she was born — and was deeply moved by the reception.

“I had no idea that there would be so many people to welcome me. There were school kids in their uniforms with autographed books in their hands. I was overwhelmed and happy. I landed at around 1 pm — it’s peak time, the heat is unbearable and it’s lunch hour — yet so many people came out. It made me feel welcomed and filled with gratitude,” she shared.

Now preparing to represent India at the 74th Miss World Festival in Tanzania, Sadhvi described the emotional moment she reunited with her family at the airport.

“When my family was doing aarti, I saw my parents cry tears of joy. It was something else, especially to see your father cry. These were tears of joy and pride. It’s every child’s desire to make their parents feel proud, and at that moment, I felt I had done that. I’m back home now, and will spend time with them and eat to my heart’s content,” she said with a smile.

Goan at heart

Though her journey has taken her across cities and countries, Sadhvi remains deeply rooted in Goa. Born in Vasco, her ancestral village lies in Canacona.

“We pray to our kuldevta, Mallikarjun, in Canacona. We migrated to Karwar mostly because of my father’s job. However, my extended family is still here in Goa. I also have a few projects here and keep coming back for work and leisure,” she said.

Her early education began in Vasco before she moved to Karwar for further schooling. She later pursued higher studies in Bengaluru and Canada, studying Economics and International Relations.

Representing Goa on the national stage came with a sense of responsibility.

“People think Goa is only about beaches and parties, but through the pageant, I focused on what Goa is really about — the people, the humbleness, and its beautiful natural surroundings,” she said.

Missing home, one meal at a time

Like many who spend long periods away from home, Sadhvi found herself longing for familiar comforts — especially food. During the Femina Miss India 2026 pageant in Bhubaneswar, she fell ill ahead of the finals.

“I was getting a bad cold during the finals, but that is what makes you stronger. Many of the other contestants were also away from home, and we bonded over food and shared anxiety — we found unity,” she said.

What she missed most, however, was her mother’s cooking.

“I missed my mother’s cooking, especially the coconut prawn curry and visonn (kingfish) fry,” she said.

Rooted in faith

Coming from a traditional and spiritual family, Sadhvi made it a point to visit the Damodar temple in Vasco soon after her return.

“I am traditionally rooted, and I believe wherever you reach in life, going back to your roots is the most rewarding thing,” she said.

She also reflected on a deeply personal chapter from her early life.

“When I was born in Vasco, doctors told my parents that I had breathing complications. They took me to many hospitals and temples, including the Damodar temple, praying for my health. They still tell me it was God’s grace that I survived,” she shared.

That experience continues to shape her outlook on life.

“Even on the finale day, I kept praying that whatever is meant to happen will happen, and all I had to do was enjoy the process,” she said.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”