KOCHI: Nidhika Sonu Augustine was crowned the winner of Alcazar Watches & DQ Watches Miss Queen Kerala 2026 at the grand finale of the 14th edition of the state pageant, held at Le Meridien Kochi on May 23. Isha Harish and Sai Pooja were named first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
The event was organised by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., which has staged the pageant annually since its launch over a decade ago. The 14th edition drew contestants from across Kerala and was attended by industry figures, former titleholders, and guests from the hospitality and jewellery sectors.
Coronation and Crowning
Outgoing titleholder Durga Surendran, Miss Queen Kerala 2025, crowned Augustine alongside Sajan Varghese, CMD of the SAJ Group of Hotels. Preethi Parakkat, Managing Director of Parakkat Jewels, and Jebitha Ajit, Managing Director of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., crowned first runner-up Isha Harish. Dr. Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar, and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. and the pageant's founder, crowned second runner-up Sai Pooja.
The gold crowns awarded to the three winners were designed by Preethi Prakash of Parakkat Jewels, the organisers said in a statement.
Judging Panel
The jury comprised five former titleholders: Cinda Padamadan (Miss Queen Kerala and Miss South India 2024), Lakshmi Menon (Miss South India and Miss Queen of India 2018), Pournami Murali (Miss India Glam World 2026), Nikita Thomas (Miss South India 2019), and Soumya S. Thomas (second runner-up, Miss Queen Kerala 2025 and first runner-up, Miss India Glam World 2026).
According to the organisers, contestants were assessed across three rounds covering stage presence, communication, and personality.
Subtitle Winners
Eight subsidiary titles were also awarded. Thamanna Pramod was named Miss Talent, Miss Popularity Queen, and Miss Humaneness. Daliya Lalu won the Miss Fashionista and Miss Vivacious titles. Sandhra Satheesh received Miss Congeniality, Varsha K. Manoj was named Miss Ramp Walk, and Denia Biju received the Miss Inspiring subtitle.
Sponsors and Partners
Alcazar Watches and DQ Watches were title partners of the 2026 edition. The pageant was powered by Unique Times, Medimix, Parakkat Resorts, SAJ Earth Resort & Convention Centre, Klamy New York, and Green Media. Co-partners listed by the organisers included Aiswaria Advertisements, VKS Beauty & Bridal Lounge, Europe Times, Times New, UT World, uniquetimes.org, DQ Soap, Vikas VKS Make-Up Artist, Akshay Inco, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.
Background
Miss Queen Kerala was conceptualised by Dr. Ajit Ravi as a state-level pageant aimed at offering a platform for young women in modelling and the wider entertainment industry. The organisers describe the contest's focus areas as personality development, public speaking, and social responsibility.
The next edition is expected to be announced in early 2027, in line with the pageant's annual cycle.