Nagaland to part-take at Miss Universe India; auditions on July 2

KOHIMA — The Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN) on Tuesday announced that Nagaland will participate in Miss Universe India for the first time.

The pageant will tentatively take place in August 2024.

In this regard, an audition for interested indigenous candidates has been scheduled on July 2 at Niathu Resort in Chümoukedima during which Miss Universe Nagaland India will also be launched.

Addressing a press conference in Kohima, BASN President Mele Pucho said that from the audition, one candidate would be selected to represent the state at the upcoming pageant. He highlight that from next year onwards, Miss Nagaland will directly represent the state at Miss Universe India.

Entries for the one-time audition are open from May 22 onwards. Unlike other times, this audition is open to all females of age 18 years and above. Those interested can reach out to the BASN social media handles and the members. The registration fee is fixed at INR 1000, he informed.

Media and Information Secretary, Sarah Konyak, informed that Glamanand Entertainment Pvt. Ltd obtained the rights for Miss Universe for India in February 2024. To announce its expansion strategy and discover talents across the nation through a state wise format, Miss Universe India is appointing state directors from all states across the country by associating with state pageants who can directly conduct pageants in their respective states under the banner of Miss Universe India.

For Nagaland, Mele Pucho has been appointed as the state director.

One of the reasons why Miss Universe India team decided to switch to state pageant format was because, over the last few years many aspiring candidates who wished to participate and give auditions were unable to do for reasons including not getting permissions from family to travel for auditions or because of lack of financial support, she said.

She added that Glamanand owns the following National Beauty Pageants Glamanand Supermodel India, Miss Teen Diva, Miss Teen India, Mrs India, Mr India Universe. It also owns international Beauty Pageants like Miss Multinational, Miss Teen international, Miss Teen Earth, Miss Teen Grand International, and Mister Universe

It is Glamanand that select representatives for prestigious international pageants such as The Miss Universe, Miss Grand International, Miss Asia Pacific,  Miss Multinational, Miss Charm, Miss Cosmo International and others.

Veineinem Singson Haolai Finance Secretary of BASN said that outfit requirements for audition includes shorts and black vest, body hugging black cocktail dress, pencil heels/stilettos (3 inches and above), light make-up, no glasses/lens, no padded lingerie and jewelry, and participants should be an indigenous of Nagaland. 

Official partners of the event are Niathu Group, Sky Garden, Runway India and Alemtemshi Jamir, former Chief Secretary of Nagaland.