Irene Dkhar, 20, from Meghalaya was crowned the coveted Miss Northeast at a glamourous grand finale held at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on Thursday night.

Eshanee Hatimuria, 25, from Assam bagged the first runner-up title while Dyna Jomo 22, from Arunachal Pradesh was declared the second runner-up.

Irene Dkhar won the hearts of the judges and the crowd with her spectacular answer in the question-and-answer round for the top 4 contestants. Dkhar, said she would discuss the subject of mental peace among the youths as her issue of interest if given a chance to speak with the world leaders.

Dkhar, was awarded with a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh sponsored by Vuto Hyundai and Floyd Hyundai along with gift hampers.

The first runner-up and second runner-up received cash rewards of Rs 1 lakh sponsored by MLA Imkong L Imchen and Rs 70,000 sponsored by Hero Anak Motors, Kohima respectively with gift hampers.

The subtitle winners received cash prize of Rs.20,000 each with gift hampers.

Eshanee Hatimuria (Assam) won Miss Photogenic subtitle while Irene Dkhar (Meghalaya) won Miss Perfect Ten, Eshanee Hatimuria (Assam) was awarded Miss Talent and Lika Chophy (Nagaland) was Queen of Hearts. The subtitle Miss Beautiful Skin went to Manasha Devi Sapam (Manipur) and Miss Multimedia to Dyna Jomo (Arunachal Pradesh).

Miss North East 2022 was the first edition under the aegis of Northeast Beauty Pageant Organisation and presented by Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN) in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland.

The Hospitality partner for the event was Niathu Group of Hotels and Resorts – Niathu Resort, Hotel Vivor and Noune Resort, while transportation was managed by Floyd Hyundai, Vuto Hyundai and Hero Anak Motors Kohima.

In the first round (ethnic round), all the contestants showcased their rich traditional cultures. In the two designer rounds, the contestants wore designs of Kivitoli Chishi and Neisa Rupreo, which was followed by the final evening gown round.

15 contestants represented the eight Northeastern States and competed for the prestigious title.

The panel of judges included Dr Sagar J Abhichandani, Nise Meruno, Bambi Kevichüsa, Ketholeno Kense Vihienuo and Theyiesinuo Keditsu.

The official choreographer of Miss Northeast 2022 was Theja Sekhose.

The second edition of the pageant will be held in Sikkim followed by Mizoram the next year.