Organisers of Miss Mokokchung 2026, along with the reigning titleholders of the 2025 pageant, addressed the media at Hotel Magnus, Mokokchung, on August 12. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 12
The grand finale of Miss Mokokchung 2026 will be held at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, on August 14 at 6 pm, with 11 contestants competing for the title and a direct entry to this year’s Miss Nagaland competition.
The event is being organised by Forerunners Mokokchung under the aegis of the Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN).
Details of the pageant were announced at a press conference at Hotel Magnus on Wednesday.
According to show director Neitho Khamo of Talent Foresight, the contestants are between 18 and 22 years of age and have been undergoing grooming sessions in preparation for the finale. Talent Foresight is working with the organisers for the second consecutive year.
The competition will have three main rounds: a traditional and introduction round, a dance routine round, and an evening-wear round. Khamo said the format is intended to give the contestants an opportunity to present their cultural identity, personality and stage skills.
Shillong-based designer HM has been named the official designer for the event. Mokokchung-based designer Manen Jamir will also be featured, particularly for the cocktail round.
The programme will include performances by Abdon Mech, Shau Evans, Elizabeth King, Ningdangri and friends, along with other artistes. Local band Sariwar will open the show. Organisers said the musical programme will combine cultural and contemporary elements.
Patron Sashinungla Nathan said the winner of Miss Mokokchung 2026 will receive direct entry to the Miss Nagaland competition. The first and second runners-up will be eligible to audition for the state pageant.
A pre-event talent round was held on August 3 at Urban Hub Café. The outcome of that round has not yet been declared and will be announced during the grand finale.
In addition to the main title, contestants will compete for subtitle awards including Miss Talented, Miss Runway, Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Perfect 10, Beautiful Smile, Beautiful Skin and Queen of Hearts. The Queen of Hearts title will be decided through public voting on Forerunners’ social-media platforms.
Reigning Miss Mokokchung 2025 Bendangienla, who later placed first runner-up at Miss Nagaland, spoke about the role of pageantry in her own development. She said the platform helped her gain confidence and pursue work connected with women’s empowerment.
Bendangienla encouraged young women to take part in such platforms and to overcome hesitation in expressing themselves. She said contestants could use the experience to identify their strengths, gain exposure and take forward social initiatives.
Khamo also appealed to parents and the public to support young women who are interested in pageants. He said the industry continues to face misconceptions, but argued that participants can gain skills in communication, grooming, public engagement and presentation. He added that former contestants and winners have gone on to work in different fields, including aviation and the beauty sector.
Nathan said Forerunners Mokokchung revived the pageant last year after a gap of three years. She said the organisation wants to create a platform through which young women can speak on social issues and contribute to the community. She also called for more young people and groups in Mokokchung to organise similar events.
Tickets are priced at Rs 300 for general entry, Rs 2,000 for donor passes valid for three persons, and Rs 5,000 for premium VIP entry. Tickets will be available at the venue and at Social Garden Restaurant.
