Miss Universe Nepal

Miss Universe Nepal (MUN) (Nepali: मिस युनिभर्स नेपाल) is a beauty pageant competition, organized by Global Glamour Venture. The contest selects the country representative for Miss Universe. The current Miss Universe Nepal is Jane Dipika Garrett from Kathmandu.

History
The Miss Universe Nepal officially began in 2017 when Nagma Shrestha was appointed as Miss Universe Nepal by Miss Nepal- The Hidden Treasure. The contest was conducted by The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal and crowned Manita Devkota in 2018 and Pradeepta Adhikari in 2019. Umanga Creation Pvt. ltd. became the official franchisee for Miss Universe on 11 June 2020 with Uddhab Adhikari, owner of Umanga Creations as the Managing Director of the pageant. During a digital press conference on 11 June 2020, it was announced that Miss Universe Nepal will be an all digital competition starting right from the registration; participants will be able to register themselves through the MUN app. Title holders under Umanga's Miss Universe Nepal are Anshika Sharma, Sujita Basnet, Sophiya Bhujel and Jane Dipika Garett for years 2020 to 2023 respectively.

It is noted that Manita Devkota got first ever placement for Nepal at Miss Universe 2018 as she entered the Top 10 finalists. Similarly, Jane Dipika Garrett got placed at Top 20 of Miss Universe 2023. Garrett also got recognition as the first plus size model to enter Miss Universe Semi Finals.

In early 2024, Global Glamour Ventures debuted to organize the next editions of Miss Universe Nepal. With the arrival of new organization, there came a rise in number of applicants which was declining in previous editions.

Pageant Format
Registrations are generally announced about a month prior to the pageant activities. The mode of registrations are virtual done by apps like "Khalti" and Miss Universe Nepal website.

Eligibility Criteria


 * Applicant must be Nepali Citizen/ Non-Resident Nepali aged 18 or above who identifies as a woman.
 * No height/weight criteria and no criteria on other physical measurements.
 * Competition is open to all adult women; married, unmarried or divorced.
 * Pregnant women, mother of children can participate in the competition as per the guidelines of Miss Universe.
 * Minimum Academic qualification: 10+2/Equivalent or above.  "In 2024, in a talk-show on Nepal Television, the National Director of Miss Universe Nepal, Ms. Sangita Puri was quoted saying,                                              'Miss Universe is not about modelling. She (Miss Universe) is not a model, she speaks. She is a diplomat and she inspires others to be confidently beautiful. We all are perfect in our own way. It's all about carrying ourselves confidently in whatever body size, height, skin color we have. It's all about how you inspire others to be confidently beautiful.'"

After the registrations, a set of around 40 to 60 qualifiers is announced who are given three major tasks. The first task is Swimsuit Round, the second task is Online Question/Answer round and the third one is Speech Round in Nepali language. All of the tasks are conducted virtually by online conference platforms and live streamed on official YouTube channel of organizers. The Speech Round in Nepali language is not included in some editions. Based on the tasks, judges provide scores to the qualifiers who then advance to the next round of Top 20 (Top 30 in some editions) as announced by the selection committee. From 2020 until 2023, voting played major role in advancement to Top 20. The qualifiers were advanced to next round on 50 percent judges' score and 50 percent fan-votes.

The qualifiers advanced to Top 20 were required to present their "introductory plus advocacy" video which was also judged and voted until 2023. The selected qualifiers, now called "Contestants" or "Legends", are sent to around 15-20 days long closed camp. Within the closed camp period, the contestants present their social advocacy project to general public and media in a "Press Presentation" segment. The contestant with best advocacy gets direct placement to Top 10. During the closed camp the contestants are trained with expertise from business sector, social service sector, fashion industry, hospitality industry and so on. The further judgements are done by Closed-Door Interviews, Preliminary Swimsuit round and Cocktail-Dress Round. At the grand finale, the Top 20 contestants are normally narrowed down to Top 10 after a Swimsuit Segment. The contestant with best advocacy advances directly to Top 10 and the rest spots are fulfilled by combination of 50% Judges' score and 50% fan-votes. The voting factor was much active until 2023. The top 10 are normally subjected to Q/A round with different questions. Then, they are given an Evening Gown Round after which the Top 5 is selected. In some editions only Top 5 performed in evening gown round. Then the Top 5 is required to answer a common question, based on which the winner of the contest is crowned as The Miss Universe Nepal. It is to be noted that pageant format can be changed by the organizer as per the need of time. Since 2017, there have been many changes in competition format because of frequent change of organizers.

As of 2024, new organization has announced the minimum weightage of voting for placement to next rounds. From year 2024 onwards, Top 60 qualifiers are required to undergo further physical auditions before performing for next rounds.

Crowns

 * Miss Universe Nepal Crown (2017–2019): This crown was used to award the winners of Miss Universe Nepal (Miss Nepal- The Hidden Treasure). The crown features the Sun, the Moon and the Stars as the emblem of the universe and the symbols of eternity. The crown features triangular framework symbolizing the Himalayas of Nepal. This diamond-studded crown based on gold, crafted by RB Diamonds
 * Brave Bold Beautiful Crown (2020): This crown was used to award the winner of Miss Universe Nepal 2020 organized by Umanga Creations P.Ltd. The crown focuses on three gems of Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond that glorify the bravery, boldness and beauty of Nepali women. This crown was crafted by Apala Jewels.
 * The Mystical Crown (2021–2023): This crown was used to award the winners of Miss Universe Nepal (2021-2023), organized by Umanga Creations. The crown is inspired form Newari Architecture with ideas from worship places of Lord Bhairava. The crown is centered around Lord Buddha's gazing eyes, believed to be blessing the people of the world. This diamond studded crown based on white gold was crafted by Shree Balaji Diamonds.