Kerala’s Kaziah Liz Mejo crowned Miss Universe India 2026

KOCHI : Kerala’s Kaziah Liz Mejo has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026, earning the right to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico later this year.

The 19-year-old, who was born in the UAE and hails from Mavelikkara in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, claimed the national crown at the grand finale held at Zee Studios in Jaipur on Sunday, August 23.

Kaziah emerged as the winner from a field of 53 contestants representing different parts of India, marking a significant moment for Kerala on the national pageant stage.

She was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma.

With the national title secured, Kaziah will now turn her attention to the Miss Universe competition, which is scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico in November. The event will mark the 75th edition of the global pageant.

The Jaipur finale brought together several prominent names from India’s pageant and entertainment industries. The judging panel included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe India titleholders Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitly, Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha, and film producer Pragya Kapoor.

Kaziah’s victory puts the young Kerala contestant on one of the world’s most prominent pageant stages, where she will carry India’s hopes for the Miss Universe crown.