Kaziah Liz Mejo crowned Miss Universe India 2026

Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old from Kerala, was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 on Sunday, August 23, after winning the national finale held at Zee Studios in Jaipur. The victory marks a significant milestone for the state, as she is the first woman from Kerala to claim the title. She was crowned by her predecessor, Miss Universe India 2025, Manika Vishwakarma, following a competition featuring 52 finalists from across the country.

The newly titled Miss Universe India expressed her joy and sense of purpose after the win. "I feel so on top of the world. This is such an iconic moment and the moment that I've worked for for over three years now," she said. She emphasized the personal connection to her home state, adding, "I'm so incredibly happy that I get to bring home this crown to my Kerala, to be able to show my hometown to the world."

The judging panel for the grand finale included prominent figures from Indian entertainment and pageantry, such as former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe India titleholders Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitly, and Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha. The competition selected Kaziah from a field that began with thousands of...