Officials and others during the auditions for Miss Mokokchung 2025 held at El-Dora Hotel, Mokokchung on June 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | June 7
The auditions for Miss Mokokchung 2025 were held on Saturday at El-Dora Hotel, Mokokchung, marking the revival of the district’s beauty pageant after a three-year hiatus—the last edition having taken place in 2021. Organised by Forerunners Mokokchung under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Art and Culture Council (MDACC), this year’s edition carries the theme “Beyond Beauty.”
Speaking to the press, Sashinungla Nathan, Patron of Forerunners Mokokchung, said, “Yes, the theme of Miss Mokokchung 2025 is ‘Beyond Beauty.’ And like the theme suggests, this edition is about more than just appearances. One of the key social causes we aim to focus on, especially after the crowning, is special education.”
Nathan, who is also an educator, expressed concern over the growing number of children with learning difficulties, especially in the post-COVID era. “I see many children struggling with different special needs every day. We want our queens to take this up as a mission—to create awareness, organise seminars and workshops, and help uplift the status of children with special needs. These children are just as equal and deserving of love as everyone else,” she said.
Today’s audition was conducted offline, with a total of nine participants. However, Forerunners Mokokchung announced that online auditions will be held early next week to accommodate aspirants who are currently outside the district but are eligible. “We have many Mokokchung citizens who are eager to participate but are not in town yet. So, we’ve scheduled an online audition for them,” Nathan added.
Eligibility criteria for the competition include a minimum height of 5.3 feet and an age range of 18 to 25 years. Interested candidates can apply through the official Instagram page of Forerunners Mokokchung, where application forms and updates are available.
A feature of this year’s event is the inclusion of professional grooming by Talent for Sight, an institute based in Kohima. Additionally, renowned Shillong-based designer HM will sponsor evening gowns for all finalists. The Forerunners will also provide cocktail dresses, tiaras, and professional makeup artists for the contestants.
The Grand Finale of Miss Mokokchung 2025 is scheduled to take place on July 25 at the Town Hall, Mokokchung. “A special highlight will be the Tribute Runway, featuring past Miss Mokokchung titleholders dating back to the inaugural year of 1992, along with Ao community winners of Miss Nagaland,” the organizers said. The event will also host special guest appearances by Femina Miss India Manipur and Femina Miss India Kerala.
The winner will be crowned as the Grand Ambassador for MDACC, taking on a leadership role in advocating for social causes throughout her reign.
Explaining the absence of the pageant over the past few years, Aren Changkiri, member of MDACC and a Patron of Forerunners Mokokchung said, “MDACC is committed to ensuring that the right individuals are selected through a transparent and fair process. There should be no misuse of the title. We see ourselves as guardians of the crown, and we want it to represent integrity and purpose.”
He also cited the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic challenges as major factors behind the hiatus. “Those years were difficult for everyone, and organising a pageant was simply not viable. But now we are back—with new energy, new vision, and a strong goal to once again bring home the Miss Nagaland crown,” he added.
