Binita Gurung Crowned Mrs. Nepal World 2026, to Represent Nepal at Mrs. World in the USA

Kathmandu: Binita Gurung, a Deputy Director at Nepal Rastra Bank, has won the prestigious title of ‘Whisper Mrs. Nepal World 2026’, organised by Ribbon Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. on Saturday night in Kathmandu. She secured the top crown by outperforming 21 contestants and received a scooter as the winner's prize.

Originally from Diktel, Khotang, Gurung is also an advocate. With the title, she has earned the opportunity to represent Nepal at the international Mrs. World competition for married women, scheduled to take place in the United States. She also won the ‘Tapai Ko Bazar Best Personality’ sub-title.

The grand finale was held at Nepal Police Club in Exhibition Road, Kathmandu. Neha Gupta was declared the First Runner-up and also received the Ribbon Entertainment Management Choice title. Jyoti Lamichhane secured the Second Runner-up position, while Sagun Khanal was named Third Runner-up and also won the Horlicks Best Physique title.

Similarly, Shilpa Neupane Maharjan was crowned ‘Mrs. Nepal International 2026’, Christina Gyawali won ‘Mrs. Cosmo 2026’, and Richa Sharma was named ‘Ms. International 2026’. Each of these three titleholders received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

According to Nishukant Jha, Chief Executive Officer of the organising company, the winners of Mrs. Nepal International and Ms. International will get the opportunity to participate in international competitions in Singapore, while the Mrs. Cosmo winner will represent Nepal in Myanmar.

Actress Niruta Singh Honoured with Honorary Title

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the honorary title of ‘Mrs. Nepal World 2026’ to popular Nepali actress Niruta Singh.

Shila Bastola, another organiser of the competition, said Singh was honoured in recognition of her more than three-and-a-half decades of contribution to the Nepali film industry, her achievements and her inspiring personality.

In tribute to Singh, model and actor Yasaraj Garach, Shila Gajurel and Richa Thapa performed dances to popular songs from films featuring the actress. They also invited legendary actor Rajesh Hamal and Niruta Singh onto the stage and involved them in the performance.

Multiple Sub-Titles Announced

The glamorous event also recognised contestants in several special categories.

Sandhya Lama won Arna Most Energetic, Sushma Thapa received Nivea Fabulous Face, Anju Pariyar was named Most Talented, Shilpa Neupane Maharjan won Cutie Care and Beauty Hub Best Hair, Deepti Dhungel received Healthy Skin, Christina Gyawali secured Best Ramp Walk, and Richa Sharma won Dinaz Fashion House Most Punctual.

Similarly, Samiksha Ranabhat received Ayuth Veda Best Smile, Shwechchha Paudyal won Reliable Diagnostic Laboratory Most Disciplined, Kanchan Maharjan was named Central Fashion Academy Fashion Icon, and Sushma Thapa also received KD Photography Most Photogenic.

Bindu Thapa Rana won Most Confident, Yasmin Begum Syed received Mrs. Congeniality, and Sunita Shrestha Karmacharya was named Mrs. Humanitarian.

The winners were presented with awards by Mrs. World 2025 titleholder Chanita Sridaket Krethong (Sammy), legendary actor Rajesh Hamal, actress Rekha Thapa and other distinguished guests who attended the finale.

Whisper was the title sponsor, while Arna Energy Drink and Nivea served as co-sponsors.

The judging panel included legendary actor Rajesh Hamal, actress Rekha Thapa, former Nepal Police AIG Mira Chaudhary, Sipradi Autoparts Vice-President Yubaraj Budhathoki, NMB Bank Chief Executive Officer Govinda Ghimire and Mrs. Nepal World 2024 winner Dr. Danila Karki.

The competition was choreographed by Ashwini Jha, with Nisha Baraily serving as co-choreographer. The event was coordinated by Ganga Maharjan and Bindiya Shrestha.

This year's competition brought together married women from diverse professional backgrounds, including homemakers, doctors, engineers, bankers, entrepreneurs, nurses and fashion designers, highlighting women's confidence, talent and achievements across different sectors.

The programme, hosted by Sesemi Limbu and Sofia Bhujel, continued until late at night.

Photos: Badri Thapa/Kuber Dangol