(Rptg, correcting the day in headline and line 2, para 1)

Bhubaneswar, May 2 (UNI) A unique contest ''Nanhi Pari'', also being called the Little Miss India contest, will be held here today.

Nowhere in India has such a contest been held, except for Keonjhar, one of the backward tribal districts of Orissa, where it was conducted with an objective to find and nurture talented young girls of the region.

Nanhi Pari, a talent show open for girls in the age group of ten - 12 years is, however, being held in Orissa for the last eight years.

As many as 30 children have been selected from among 1,237 applicants received from 15 states of the country to participate in the three-day mega contest.

The winner of the contest would be crowned the ''Nanhi Pari'' and also known as Little Miss India.

Nanhi Pari President Achyuta Samanta said while the winner would be presented cash prize of Rs 80,000, a crown, a citation and gift hampers, the runners-up would receive cash prize of Rs 20,000, a citation and gift hampers.

Dr Samanta, the founder Secretary of the KIIT said Orissa Governor M C Bhandare and yesteryear Bollywood heart-throb Parikshit Sahani are scheduled to grace the event on the concluding day on May 4.

UNI BD LL SB DS1056