After a hiatus of three years, Miss Mokokchung beauty pageant is set to make a grand comeback under the theme “Beyond Beauty”. This year’s edition emphasis on social

responsibility—particularly advocating for special education and children with special needs.

Organized by Forerunners Mokokchung under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Arts and Culture Council (MDACC), the event will be held on July 22 at Town Hall Mokokchung, starting from 6:00 PM.

Sashinungla Nathan, patron of Forerunners Mokokchung, shared key insights into the revised

format and renewed vision of the event during a press conference.

“We are not just celebrating beauty, we are celebrating resilience, purpose, and the power of voice,” she stated, emphasizing the shift in focus of organising this event traditionally in December to an early-year schedule. She highlighted the change in scheduling as: “We usually had the event in December, but that left us with less time to prepare our winners for state and national pageants like Miss Nagaland. This year, we aim to groom our winner well in advance and send a very strong contender to bring the crown back home.”

Nathan also announced that the winner of Miss Mokokchung 2025 will receive free coaching and training from the Talent Foresight grooming institute in Kohima.

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The pageant will feature three core rounds– ethnic wear cum introduction round (curated by the contestants), designer cocktail round (designed by Manen Jamir), and evening gown round (designed by ΗΜ ΗΜΙNGMAWII).

Tickets for the event will be available at the venue, priced at ₹300 (General) and ₹1,000 (VIP, admits two).

Nathan urged the public to attend the show and support the participants.

The event will not only showcase the beauty, confidence, and determination of the 13 contestants but will also feature performances by a vibrant lineup of local and guest artists including Moko Koza, Tiameren Aier, Mezanüo Ngukha, Impang Jamir, Mokokchung Dance Community, Mokokchung Class of Music, Lirosen Akum Nokdir, Aküm K Jamir among others.

Show director of Miss Mokokchung 2025 and co-founder of Talent Foresight Neitho Khamo expressed excitement ahead of the event, noting that the 13 contestants are “full of energy and spirit” and that he is expecting a very lively and encouraging audience.

“This platform is not just about competition. It’s about growth, confidence, and

discovering one’s true potential. The crown may go to one, but the journey belongs to all of them,” Khamo said.

He also praised Mokokchung for its overwhelming hospitality and strong community support, noting that such cooperation is rare in other districts and is crucial for the success of pageants.

Addressing common misconceptions, Khamo clarified that a beauty pageant and a model are not the same. “These are different worlds, even though the industries are connected. In our state and even nationally, this distinction is often misunderstood. A pageant queen must have a mission—beauty with a purpose—and aim to bring change in society, whether she wins or not,” he stated.

In a heartfelt tribute to past Ao women who have made their mark in pageantry, the Miss Mokokchung 2025 show will feature a special Tribute Runway segment. This segment will celebrate former beauty queens, including Tiarenla Jamir, Sashinungla Nathan, Akumnaro, Imsulemla Aier, Jemtisungla Jamir, Ayusangla Jamir, and Jentiren Jamir.

Speaking about the segment, Sashinungla Nathan said while some were unable to participate due to unavoidable circumstances, the tribute is expected to be one of the most emotional highlights of the evening.

The panel of judges will include Asola Ozukum, Mele Pucho – president, North East Beauty Pageant Organization & Beauty & Aesthetic Society of Nagaland, Shyamanga Kashyap – director Miss Assam Organisation & talent scout Femina Miss India, Chanchui Khayi – Femina Miss India Manipur 2024, Akshatha Das – Femina Miss India Kerala 2024, and

Imlibenla Wati Nienu – former Miss Mokokchung Runner-Up, Miss Asia Pacific India 2016 global pageant representative, and President of Forerunners Nagaland

Both Chanchui Khayi and Akshatha Das commended this year’s theme, expressing their excitement about being part of the show. They also conveyed gratitude for the warm hospitality they received in Mokokchung.

Looking ahead to the event, Das added, “This is a significant moment, especially after a three-year break. It is crucial for Mokokchung to send out a strong candidate who can carry the legacy forward—statewide, and hopefully, to the national level as well…. What we are looking for here is a capable candidate.”