Kelülü Dawhuo to represent Nagaland at Miss Universe India finale

KOHIMA — Kelülü Dawhuo, Miss Universe Nagaland 2025, will represent the state at the Miss Universe India 2025 grand finale scheduled to be held on August 18 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The event, set to begin at 6 pm, is being jointly organised by the Glamanand Group (parent organisation of Miss Universe India) and K Sera Sera Box Office, a Mumbai-based media company.

Dawhuo is among 48 contestants participating in this year’s pageant. The winner will succeed the reigning Miss Universe India, Rhea Singha, and represent India at the 74th Miss Universe Pageant to be held in Thailand in November 2025.

The sub-contests for Miss Universe India 2025 commenced on July 26 in Indore. Dawhuo left Nagaland on July 17 to begin her journey at the national level.

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A native of Thenyizumi village in Phek district, the 19-year-old is pursuing English at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama. She first entered the beauty pageant scene when she was crowned Miss Kohima 2024. She later went on to win Miss Nagaland 2nd Runner-up 2024 and was crowned Miss Universe Nagaland 2025, paving her way to the national stage.

In her introduction video for Miss Universe India, Dawhuo said she was born and raised in the “Land of Festivals,” with the belief that courage allows even the smallest voices to reach the big stage.

According to her, being “beautifully confident” means accepting oneself even in vulnerability and uncertainty, and choosing self-belief even when it is difficult. She said she carries with her not only ambition but also the stories, voices and dreams of those often unheard, with the courage to represent a rooted India, one that is “proud, powerful, and deserving to be seen.”

For the National Costume round, Dawhuo wore a design by Naga designer Khrielasier Liezietsu. The costume was inspired by Pfüda-Le—Spirit of the First Song—a legendary female spirit in Chokri-speaking Chakhesang folklore believed to have sung the first laments at funerals and the earliest lullabies.

She explained that Pfüda-Le represents mourning songs (keza) and weaving chants, symbolising emotional expression, collective memory, and the passing of feminine wisdom through voice. “Elders say some women gain their singing gift from Pfüda-Le, a sacred muse, though never worshipped,” she noted.

Dawhuo added that her costume was made from the cultural shawl of the Chakhesang community, known as Rura, which symbolises sacrifice, honesty, happiness, light, peace, and victory.

As the contest draws to a close, voting for the ‘Miss Popular’ challenge of Miss Universe India 2025 is underway. Supporters can cast their votes for Kelülü Dawhuo via Instagram by visiting: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNaYbcZIYla/?igsh=NHpnaGFxbDgxdHgy