Miss Diwali

Miss Diwali Miss Diwali 2026, Athina Ramphal
Official local preliminary to Miss Maryland

06/20/2026

Walking into Miss Maryland week with a full heart, a little Caribbean spice, and a whole lot of gratitude šŸ«¶šŸ‘‘

Iā€™m ready to bring my story, my culture, my purpose, and every part of who I am to the Miss Maryland stage. āœØ

A lehenga at the tent is never just an outfit.Most of the time when I table for The Genealogy Club and Project I.D.E.A.:...
06/20/2026

A lehenga at the tent is never just an outfit.

Most of the time when I table for The Genealogy Club and Project I.D.E.A.: Who am I?, Iā€™m also showing up in cultural spaces where heritage is already being celebrated.

From Asia on the Creek to Holi with Urbana STEMM, from the Immersed Global 5K Run/Walk & Culture Festival to Baltimore Countyā€™s Cultural Town Hall, these are rooms where people are already thinking about identity, belonging, and community. Wearing a lehenga helps me meet that moment before I even say a word.

It also reflects the way my work often moves between advocacy and artistry. Iā€™ll spend part of the day sharing The Genealogy Clubā€™s mission, then step on stage to represent my culture through dance!

So yes, Iā€™m usually in a lehenga when I table.

Not because it is a costume.
Because it is connection.
Because it is culture.
Because it reminds people that genealogy is not just about where we come from, but how we choose to show up!

Beyond the stage and behind the scenesā€¦During my JHU study abroad in Jamaica, I had the honor of producing a documentary...
06/19/2026

Beyond the stage and behind the scenesā€¦

During my JHU study abroad in Jamaica, I had the honor of producing a documentary centered on Rastafari culture and legacy. Our short film, ā€œEmbers of Livity: the Trod, Teachings, and Testimonies of Ras Iriceā€ was created in honor of Ras Irice and the trod he carried through his life, including his work in bringing Rastafari culture and community to Maryland through IDOR.

Producing this documentary meant so much to me because it was never just about capturing footage. It was about preserving feeling. It was about listening closely, honoring the people who welcomed us, and making sure the spirit of the story came through with care.

Now, I am continuing to refurbish the documentary with the hope of submitting it to a film festival. This experience reminded me that storytelling is service too.

It is a way to keep legacy alive, to honor culture with intention, and to make sure the embers of livity continue to burn.

Jamaica gave me more than memories. It gave me a responsibility to document, preserve, live in the moment, and carry the story forward with care and power. ā¤ļøšŸ’›šŸ’š

One of my favorite things about my crown box is the hidden drawer šŸ¤« It may be small, but itā€™s packed with all the little...
06/16/2026

One of my favorite things about my crown box is the hidden drawer šŸ¤« It may be small, but itā€™s packed with all the little essentials that keep me pageant-ready!

With Miss Maryland just one week away, I thought it was only right to share the Crown Box Starter Pack: Miss Diwali 2026 edition!

Between rehearsals and appearances, this box somehow turns into my mini survival kit. Crown, sash, earrings, pins (rubber pin backs are a LIFESAVER), autograph cards, extra bindis, bobby pins, and yesā€¦ honey sticks because those are non-negotiable šŸ˜Œ

One of my favorite phases of competition is FITNESS. ā™„ļøšŸ’ŖIt is such an important part of the Miss Maryland Opportunity. I...
06/14/2026

One of my favorite phases of competition is FITNESS. ā™„ļøšŸ’Ŗ

It is such an important part of the Miss Maryland Opportunity. I love that Miss America celebrates this phase through its partnership with Rebel, and that Miss Maryland supports their delegates through its partnership with OneLife Fitness in Frederick!!

You need stamina and the ability to keep giving your best from start to finish. For me, staying has always started with dance. It is my favorite way to stay active, and it makes this phase feel even more connected to who I am!!

Peopleā€™s Choice voting is still open!!I am so thankful for all of the support I have received so far as I head into Miss...
06/12/2026

Peopleā€™s Choice voting is still open!!

I am so thankful for all of the support I have received so far as I head into Miss Maryland week. Iā€™m so excited to bring a little spice to the stage, have fun while doing it, and represent Miss Diwali with my whole heart.

Every dollar donated equals one vote, and your support helps fund scholarship opportunities through the Miss Maryland Organization.

Vote for Athina Ramphal, Miss Diwali Contestant 2, through the link in my bio. http://spot.fund/ctlgblrsc

Thank you all so much for believing in me and being part of this journey šŸ©µ

#2

06/12/2026

Iā€™ve been dancing since I could walk, and it has always been my go-to way to stay active! šŸ’ƒšŸ½šŸ’–

What I love most about dance is that it combines fitness with creativity. It keeps me moving, builds strength and endurance, and gives me an outlet to express myself. Because I enjoy it so much, staying active never feels like a chore.

Stay tuned for the Miss Maryland stage, where Iā€™ll be bringing the energy and sharing my passion for West Indian dance!!

One of my favorite things about Maryland is its diverse history. It lives in the places we visit and the communities tha...
06/10/2026

One of my favorite things about Maryland is its diverse history. It lives in the places we visit and the communities that continue to shape this state.

When I was crowned Miss Diwali Maryland I became a part of Marylandā€™s history too. Representing culture, identity, and community in a state with such a rich past is something I will always carry with pride.

Here are some moments from the Museum of Historic Annapolis, the Liberty Tree at the William Paca House, and the Jane Gates Heritage House. Each place reminded me that history not only something behind glass or written in books. It is something we experience and add to.

Take this as your sign to explore Marylandā€™s history. You may find a piece of your own story too. šŸ’›šŸ–¤ā¤ļøšŸ¤

Miss Maryland empowers women through scholarships, and Iā€™m proud to bring a journey shaped by educational opportunity. F...
06/09/2026

Miss Maryland empowers women through scholarships, and Iā€™m proud to bring a journey shaped by educational opportunity.

From receiving the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 5 Union Scholarship to earning support through the Women in Bio Inclusion Grant, Iā€™ve seen firsthand how scholarships open doors.

Through Miss Marylandā€™s partnership with Hood College, candidates have access to meaningful scholarship opportunities that support continuing education and future goals. That investment matters because when women are given the resources to keep learning, leading, and serving, they are able to create change far beyond the stage.

Asia on the Creek was such a beautiful celebration of culture and community!! šŸŒā£ļøHosted by the Asian American Center of ...
06/09/2026

Asia on the Creek was such a beautiful celebration of culture and community!! šŸŒā£ļø

Hosted by the Asian American Center of Frederick in partnership with Downtown Frederick Partnership at Carroll Creek, this event brought so many people together in honor of AANHPI Heritage Month.

I had the honor of performing alongside so many talented artists and also had the opportunity to share more about The Genealogy Club and Project I.D.E.A. Throughout the day, I met hundreds of people who connected with the heart of this work: making sure every child has the chance to understand where they come from and define who they are for themselves.

It was also so sweet running into our forever Miss Maryland 2024, Bridget Oā€™Brien (who is also !!)

A full day, a meaningful day, and thankfully, I made it out right before the thunderstorm šŸ˜…

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