Miss Nepal

Miss Nepal
Formation 1994
Type Beauty Pageant
Headquarters Kathmandu
Location
Membership
 Miss World
Miss Earth
Miss International
Official language
 Nepali
Website www.missnepal.com.np

The Miss Nepal contest is the national beauty pageant of Nepal, which was started in 1994 in Kathmandu. The winner of Miss Nepal goes to Miss World,[1] while the runners up compete in Miss Earth and Miss International beauty pageants.

Nepal also sends representatives in other minor global pageants such as Miss Grand International, Miss Tourism Queen International, Miss Globe International, Miss Heritage and Miss Asia Pacific World.

The 20th edition of the Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2014 was held on 2 May 2014. The selected 19 finalists competed for the three main titles of Miss Nepal World, Miss Nepal Earth, and Miss Nepal International.

The current Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal titleholders are: Subin Limbu as Miss Nepal World 2014, Prinsha Shrestha (Dethroned on April 5, 2015 for breaking the rules of her contract by participating in Miss Eco Queen 2015 pageant. Soni Rajbhandari was crowned as Miss Nepal Earth 2014, and Sonie Rajbhandari as Miss Nepal International 2014.

History

Ever since the pageant started from 1994, historically the winner of the Miss Nepal pageant represented the Nepal in the Miss Asia Pacific. After 1997, the Hidden Treasures collaborated with Kathmandu Jaycees and formed two pageants of Kathmandu Jacyees Miss Nepal and Hidden Treasures Miss World Nepal. From 1998 on wards, the winner of Miss Nepal has been sent to Miss World contest and the 1st runner up to Miss Asia Pacific. No contest was held in 2001 because of the Nepalese royal massacre.

From 2004, the 2nd runner up has been granted to represent Nepal in the pageant Miss Earth but it changed a year later, to 1st runner up as it had been stopped sending to Miss Asia Pacific. In 2010, the 2nd runner up has started to send to Miss International. Since 2011 onwards; the names of the 3rd runner up and 4th runner up were revealed while announcing the names of the winners on the Coronation Night.

Competition

Since 1994, every year women from age range of 19–25 years old compete on the national pageant of Miss Nepal. In which, 16 contestants are wisely chosen from across the country and they begin on 1-month training & grooming course before the final event in which they participate in lectures, social work, photoshoots, interviews and etiquette lessons. As on the coronation night which lasts up to 3 hours long, all the candidates engage on opening sequence, introduction speech after which the top 10 semi-finalists are chosen who then compete in an interview portion with the judges and evening gown and the 5 finalists are chosen. This is when the final question and answer round is held. At the end, the names of runners-up and winner are announced from live telecast in Nepal Television.

Tasks

Requirements

Requirements for selection of participants of Miss Nepal:

Notable winners and contestants

Controversial contestants

Recent titleholders

The winner of Miss Nepal represents her country at Miss World.

YearMiss NepalCity RepresentedHost CityPlacement at Miss World
2015 Evana Manandhar Nepal Kathmandu Hotel Del Annapurna, Kathmandu TBA
2014 Subin Limbu Nepal Dharan Army Officers Club, Kathmandu Unplaced
  • The People's Choice (Top 10)
2013 Ishani Shrestha Nepal Kathmandu Nepal Academy Hall, Kathmandu Top 10
  • Beauty with a Purpose (Winner)
  • Multimedia Award (2nd Runner-up)
2012 Shristi Shrestha Nepal Chitwan Hotel Del Annapurna, Kathmandu Top 30
  • Beach Fashion (4th Runner-up)
  • Multimedia Award (Top 10)
2011 Malina Joshi Nepal Dharan Tribhuvan Army Club, Kathmandu Unplaced
  • Beauty with a Purpose (Top 30)
2010 Sadichha Shrestha Nepal Kathmandu Tribhuvan Army Club, Kathmandu Unplaced
  • TBA
2009 Zenisha Moktan Nepal Kathmandu Tribhuvan Army Club, Kathmandu
2007 Sitashma Chand Nepal Lalitpur Birendra International Conference Convention Centre, Kathmandu
2005 Sugarika Kshatriya-Chhetri Nepal Lalitpur Birendra International Conference Convention Centre, Kathmandu
2004 Payal Shakya Nepal Kathmandu Birendra International Conference Convention Centre, Kathmandu
2003 Priti Sitoula Nepal Kathmandu Birendra International Conference Convention Centre, Kathmandu
2002 Malvika Subba Nepal Kathmandu Birendra International Conference Convention Centre, Kathmandu Didn't compete
2000 Usha Khadgi Nepal Birgunj Birendra International Conference Convention Centre, Kathmandu

Winners' gallery

State titles

There is an unofficial formula to determine the states and regions represented in Nepal. The base number of contestants over the last decade has been 19–20, which can be increased or decreased by pageant's management.

Official states (20)

   

  * Denotes that state has a preliminary pageant – which may or may not still be held – as of 2014 only Biratnagar, Chitwan, Dharan, Itahari, Jhapa and Pokhara held preliminaries.

  ** Denotes that state has been represented through the Miss Purwanchal (Miss Eastern Region) preliminary. Additionally, two states, Chitwan and Pokhara hold their own individual pageants.

Official regions (5)

Biratnagar, Dharan, Itahari and Jhapa are regions of Eastern Region and are titles handed out at the Miss Purwanchal preliminary. As of 1995 Pokhara has its own preliminary.

Together, these 20 regions form the "base" of the Miss Nepal contest. However, at times other regions and territories have been represented. However, many times the pageant has been criticised for having lack of diversity interns of selection of candidates. Due to the reason that many girls from Kathmandu Valley are represented and are consistent in the pageant per year which resulted with the most winners from the Kathmandu Valley. However since 2013, the pageant has decided to include more candidates from outside the Capital Valley.

Regional rankings

Cities Titles Winning Years
Kathmandu
10
 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015
Dharan
2
 2011, 2014
Lalitpur 2005, 2007
Birgunj 1994, 2000
Pokhara
1
 1997
Chitwan 2012

List of Miss Nepal at International pageants

Miss World Nepal

Color key
  •      Declared as Winner
  •      Ended as runner-up
  •      Ended as one of the finalists or semifinalists

After the local franchise for the Miss World pageant in 1997, Miss Nepal have started to send its winner. In 2002, the pageant was held in December which was after the Miss World 2002, hence the Miss Nepal 2002 winner, Malvika Subba missed the opportunity to represent Nepal in the Miss World pageant. On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a runner-up is sent.

Year Miss Nepal Placement in Miss Nepal Placement Remarks
Seychelles 1997 Jharana Bajracharya WINNER Unplaced Later on became a famous Nepali Actress and worked in both Bollywood and Nepali movies.
Seychelles 1998 Jyoti Pradhan WINNER Unplaced After, Miss World 1998 Jyoti was dethroned as Miss Nepal 1998 title after unable to full fill her duties as the reigning Miss Nepal.
United Kingdom 1999 Shewta Singh WINNER Unplaced In 2014, Shweta became the new CEO of Miss Nepal beauty contest.
United Kingdom 2000 Usha Khadgi WINNER Unplaced
United Kingdom 2002 Malvika Subba WINNER Withdrew Miss Nepal 2002 was held on the same date as Miss World 2002 which was the reason why Malvika wasn't send to the international pageant. Being the only Miss Nepal till date who wasn't send to Miss World after Hidden Treasure bought the license to Miss World beauty contest. She later on became a media personality for working in Television as Host, Actress, MC.
China 2003 Priti Stioula WINNER Unplaced
China 2004 Payal Shakya WINNER Unplaced
China 2005 Sugarika KC WINNER Unplaced
China 2007 Sitashma Chand WINNER Unplaced
South Africa 2009 Zenisha Moktan WINNER Unplaced
China 2010 Sadichha Shrestha WINNER Unplaced
United Kingdom 2011 Malina Joshi WINNER Unplaced Beauty with A Purpose (Top 30). Malina works as an actress in Nepali Movies.
China 2012 Shristi Shrestha WINNER Top 30 MultiMedia Award (Top 10))
Beach Fashion (Top 10)
Indonesia 2013 Ishani Shrestha WINNER Top 10 Beauty with A Purpose(winner)'
MultiMedia Award (2nd Runner-up)
United Kingdom 2014 Subin Limbu WINNER Unplaced The People's Choice (Top 10)
Australia 2015 Evana Manandhar WINNER TBA

Miss Earth Nepal

The 1st runner-up title of Miss Nepal will be competing at Miss Earth pageant. On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a candidate is sent.

Year Miss Nepal Placement in Miss Nepal Placement Remarks
Philippines 2002 Nira Gautam Unplaced Miss Nepal organisation appointed Nira to represent Nepal at Miss Earth 2002, even though she didn't compete in Miss Nepal 2002 beauty pageant.
Philippines 2004 Anita Gurung 2nd runner-up Unplaced In 2004, the format of sending 2nd runner-up position winner to Miss Earth started. However the regulation changed from 2005 and the 1st runner-up was send to Miss Earth beauty pageant.
Philippines 2005 Shavona Shrestha 1st runner-up Unplaced Public Choice Award (Top 5). Shavona was heavily criticised on her body during swimsuit press presentation by Missosology website.
Philippines 2006 Ayushma Pokharel 2nd runner-up Unplaced In 2006, due to Feminist Movement Party, Miss Nepal 2006 beauty pageant wasn't held. The 2nd runner-up from previous year's Miss Nepal pageant Ayushma, was send to Miss Earth 2006.
Philippines 2007 Bandana Sharma 1st runner-up Unplaced
Philippines 2009 Richa Thapa Magar 1st runner-up Unplaced
Vietnam 2010 Sahana Bajracharya 1st runner-up Unplaced Sahana works as Television Host for Image Channel.
Philippines 2011 Anupama Aura Gurung 1st runner-up Unplaced Previously competed in Miss Mongol 2010 but ended up winning Miss Friendship sub-title.
Philippines 2012 Nagma Shrestha 1st runner-up Top 8 Walk with M.E (1st Runner-up)
Dolphins Love Freedom Mural Painting Challenge (1st Runner-up)
Philippines 2013 Rojisha Shahi 1st runner-up Unplaced Best in Evening Gown (1st Runner-up)
Most Child Friendly Challenge
Philippines 2014 Prinsha Shrestha Dethroned on April 5, 2015 1st runner-up Unplaced Eco-Beauty Video (Top 10)
1st Yahoo! Beauty for a Cause online competition She was dethroned on April 5, 2015 for breaking the rules of her contract by participating in Miss Eco Queen 2015 pageant. Soni Rajbhandari was crowned as the new Miss Nepal Earth 2014.

Miss International Nepal

Before 2010, Miss Nepal International was organised by different company which produced winners that where represented in Miss International beauty pageant. But since 2010, Hidden Treasure bought the franchise to Miss International and now sends delegate (2nd runner-up) from the annual Miss Nepal beauty pageant. On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a contestant is sent.

Year Miss Nepal Placement in Miss Nepal Placement Remarks
Japan 2000 Uma Bogati WINNER Unplaced
Japan 2005 Nisha Adhikari WINNER Unplaced Later on, Nisha became a famous Nepali movie actress.
China 2010 Sanyukta Timsina 2nd runner-up Unplaced
China 2011 Sarina Maskey 2nd runner-up Unplaced
Japan 2012 Subeksha Khadka 2nd runner-up Unplaced
Japan 2013 Shritima Shah 2nd runner-up Unplaced
Japan 2014 Sonie Rajbhandari 2nd runner-up Unplaced

Miss Asia Pacific

From 1994 to 1997, the Miss Nepal pageant was held to select the representative of the Nepal to the Miss Asia Pacific Pageant. In 1997, Jharana Bajracharya was crowned as Hidden Treasures Miss World Nepal 1997 winner who was sent to Miss World 1997 and Kathmandu Jaycees[3] Miss Nepal where Neelima Gurung took the crown and went to Miss Asia Pacific 1997. After 1997, Miss Nepal Beauty Pageant started to hold the local franchise for the Miss World Pageant and the 1st runner up was sent to the Miss Asia Pacific contest until 2004. Miss Nepal no longer sends its winners to this pageant anymore. The third title of Miss Nepal will be competing at Miss International. On occasion, when the winner does not qualify (due to age) for either contest, a contestant is sent.

Year Miss Nepal Placement in Miss Nepal Placement Remarks
Philippines 1994 Ruby Rana WINNER Unplaced
Philippines 1995 Sumi Khadka WINNER Unplaced
Philippines 1996 Poonam Ghimire WINNER Unplaced
Philippines 1997 Neelima Gurung WINNER Unplaced
Philippines 1998 Niru Shrestha WINNER Unplaced Previously Jyoti Pradhan was crowned as Miss Nepal 1998 but later on Jyoti got dethroned for being unable to fulfil her duties as Miss Nepal. Later, 1st runner-up Niru Shrestha was crowned as Miss Nepal 1998.
Philippines 1999 Nikita Bhandari Kshatriya 1st runner-up Unplaced
Philippines 2000 Biva Maya Ranjeet 1st runner-up Unplaced
Philippines 2003 Prerana Shah 1st runner-up Top 10
China 2005 Sarah Gurung 1st runner-up Unplaced

Other pageants

Miss Nepal USA

The first ever Miss Nepal USA was held on July 2001 in Philadelphia. The pageant was organized by American Nepalese Association (ANA) and was held a day before the grand finale of ANA's annual convention.

Miss Nepal USA pageant made a comeback in New York, on August 2011 and was organized by Event Planet Inc.

The aim of these contests is to identify talented young women who can uphold Nepalese pride in an international platform.[4] Since 2014, there has been introduction to new special awards of Miss California Nepal, Miss New York Nepal and Miss Texas Nepal as the winners of regional states which were equivalent to 3rd runner-up spots.[5]

Year Represented State Winner First runner-up Second runner-up Miss California Nepal Miss New York Nepal Miss Texas Nepal
2014  Ohio Khushbu Mishra[6][7] Sushma Sharma Sushma Adhikari Kusma Kharel Kabita Pahari Supriya Sharma
2013  New York Barsha Rai Anuja Thapa Magar Sony Pathak
2012  Maryland Astha Shrestha Nurja Shrestha Aashma Dhakal
2011  Washington Sujita Basnet Tilashmi Bista Nabina Basnet
2001  Pennsylvania Nepolina Chhetri Sabina Shrestha Smriti Gurung

Miss Nepal Hong Kong

Miss Nepal Hong Kong was held since 1998 in favour of giving a platform for Nepalis in Hong Kong women and also to build up their confidence and self-esteem. In 2011, After 6 years the 5th Miss Nepal Hong Kong was held in 3 August 2011.[8]

Year Represented State Winner First runner-up Second runner-up
2012 Kowloon City  Hong Kong Parina Subba(Special Awards won- Miss Best Personality) Manisha Rai Parmila Thapa
2011 Yuen Long  Hong Kong Lakpa Dolma Sherpa Mamta Gurung Ruthsha Rai
2005 Kowloon City  Hong Kong Purnima Gurung Deepa BK Sunita Thapa
2001 Kwun Tong  Hong Kong Pooja Subba
2000 Wan Chai  Hong Kong Mamita Gurung Kavita Gurung Saiyan Amatya
1998 Kwai Tsing  Hong Kong Junu Pun

Miss Nepal Australia

Year Represented State Winner First runner-up Second runner-up
2014 Perth,  Australia Aarzoo Karki Junita Lama Sudibty Shrestha
2012 Sydney,  Australia Deepashree Shah Archana Karki Shitwant Basnet
2011 Victoria,  Australia Reecha Dhital Munmoon Shah Nira Pun
2009 Sydney,  Australia Sanam Dangol Karishma Shrestha Prada Pradhan

Miss UK Nepal

Year Represented State Winner First runner-up Second runner-up Remarks
2014 Ashford  UK Nia Dewan[9] Sumi Shrestha Aarya Sharma 3rd runner-up: Jenny Gurung
4th runner-up: Sushmita Thapa
2012 Feltham  UK Durga Gurung Parika Ale Nayan Gurung 3rd runner-up: Ashika Rai
4th runner-up: Pushpa Sunwar
2011 Watford  UK Gaumaya Gurung Pragya Shrestha Neelam Gurung 3rd runner-up: Brishana Gurung
4th runner-up: Mina Kuwar
2010 Hounslow  UK Nabina Gurung Sheila Shraddha Limbu Monica Limbu 3rd runner-up: Bhawana Limbu
4th runner-up: Shristi Gurung

Overseas Performance in Miss Nepal

The following is a list of overseas contestants who have competed at the Miss Nepal Pageant. Overseas competed from 2005 onwards, every year except 2007.

Year represented at MN Delegate name Region represented Placement (if any) Special awards won (if any) Notes
2005 Cherie Sophie Sherchan New York,  USA Top 10 Semi-Finalist
2009 Reetu Shakya New York,  USA Top 5 Finalist
2010 Binita Thapa California,  USA
2011 Anupama Aura Gurung Downtown Core,  Singapore 1st runner up Miss Best Hair Previously competed in Miss Mongol 2010 and ended with Miss Personality sub-title.
2012 Shristi Shrestha Cornwall,  UK WINNER Miss Confident
2013 Sumi Lama Texas,  USA Top 5 Finalist Previously competed in Miss Tamang 2012 and won the crown.
2014 Pranayna KC Perth,  Australia Top 5 Finalist Miss Personality Previously competed in Miss Nepal 2008 but the pageant later on got cancelled due to the Feminists Movement.
2015 Durga Gurung London,  UK Top 10 Semi-Finalist Previous winner of Miss UK Nepal 2012.
Evana Manadhar New York,  USA WINNER Miss Intellectual
Miss Personality
Miss Gosh Girl
Nuning Limbu London,  UK Top 10 Semi-Finalist Miss Popular

Miss Hetauda

Miss Hetauda is a beauty contest which started since 2012 for district of Makwanpur. It is organized by Bal Chhahari Nepal, Makawanpur and Aon Creation Pvt. Ltd.

The winner of this pageant will represent the city of Hetauda at Miss Nepal 2013 pageant.[10]

Year Miss Hetauda Hometown Placement in Miss Nepal Special awards at Miss Nepal Placement in Miss World (as Miss Nepal) Notes
2012 Kamala Khatri Hetauda
2013 Sujata Balami Hetauda

Score table

Country Debut Best Result Titles
Nepal Bhaktapur 1994 4th Place (2011) 0
Nepal Biratnagar 2002 Semi-finalist (2002) 0
Nepal Birgunj 1994 Winner (1994, 2000) 2
Nepal Chitwan 1994 Winner (2012) 1
Nepal Dharan 2010 Winner (2011, 2014) 2
Nepal Gorkha 1996 0
Nepal Hetauda 2002 Semi-finalist (2002) 0
Nepal Janakpur 2000 Semi-finalist (2000) 0
Nepal Jhapa 2013 Semi-finalist (2013) 0
Nepal Kathmandu 1994 Winner (1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010) 10
Nepal Kavre 2007 4th Place (2013) 0
Nepal Kirtipur 2012 Semi-finalist (2012) 0
Nepal Lahan 2005 Semi-finalist (2005) 0
Nepal Lalitpur 1994 Winner (2005, 2007) 2
Nepal Mahendranagar 2012 3rd Place (2012) 0
Nepal Nepalgunj 1996 4th Place (2001) 0
Nepal Pokhara 1995 Winner (1997) 1
Nepal Rupandehi 2007 Semi-finalist (2007) 0
Nepal Syangja 2005 Semi-finalist (2005) 0

See also

References

External links