Manipur is set to host the Miss Universe Manipur 2026 pageant on June 21 at Chandrakriti Auditorium in the Palace Compound, Imphal, where 20 contestants from different parts of the state will compete for an opportunity to represent Manipur at the national level. The announcement was made during a press conference by Miss Universe Manipur State Director and noted fashion designer Robert Naorem. He said the competition will serve as the official platform for selecting Manipur’s representative for Miss Universe India 2026, which is the national gateway to the internationally recognised Miss Universe competition.According to Naorem, the pageant is intended to provide aspiring young women from the state with a platform to showcase their abilities and gain exposure on a larger stage. He said the initiative is aimed at helping participants develop confidence and pursue opportunities beyond the state level.
“The winner of Miss Universe Manipur 2026 will go on to participate in Miss Universe India 2026,” Naorem said, adding that the competition offers a pathway for talented women from Manipur to gain national recognition. Speaking about the broader purpose of the pageant, Naorem said the Miss Universe platform has long focused on empowering women and encouraging them to become leaders and advocates for social causes. He noted that participants are expected not only to compete in the contest but also to contribute positively to society through various community initiatives. In line with this objective, Miss Universe Manipur has partnered with the Manipur AIDS Control Society and For Better Kangleipak to undertake several awareness and community engagement programmes. These activities include cleanliness drives, tree plantation campaigns, and awareness programmes focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention and environmental responsibility. Organisers said the event will combine elements of fashion, personality development and social awareness, giving contestants an opportunity to engage with issues affecting their communities while preparing for a competitive national platform.
The pageant will be directed and choreographed by former model Sheetal Sharma from Mumbai. Contestants will also receive grooming and mentoring from Noyonita Lodh, who was crowned Miss Universe India in 2014. Organisers said the grooming sessions are designed to help participants improve their presentation skills, confidence and overall performance during the competitionThe event is also expected to attract prominent personalities from the national pageant circuit. Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma and National Director of Operations Amzad Khan will attend the programme and serve as judges.Naorem said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to create meaningful opportunities for young talent in Manipur. He expressed hope that the platform would help contestants gain visibility and recognition at both national and international levels while showcasing the talent and potential of women from the state. Miss Universe Manipur 2026 is being powered by Kisna Diamonds & Jewellery, Thangmeiband, with PCTC serving as the co-power sponsor. With contestants, mentors and judges from across the country set to participate, the pageant is expected to provide a significant platform for young women in Manipur to pursue opportunities in fashion, leadership and social advocacy while representing the state on a wider stage.
