Deepika Sharma has been crowned Miss Nepal North America 2026, leading a new group of titleholders celebrated for their confidence, cultural pride and representation of the Nepali Diaspora.
Sharma, contestant No. 5 representing Maryland, won the crown during the pageant’s grand finale at Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia, on Saturday, July 25. Anamika Shrestha of Michigan was named first runner-up, Anamika Khadgi of South Carolina became second runner-up, and Texas-based Reshma Niraula secured the third runner-up position.
The result marked a memorable evening for Nepali communities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which hosted the competition after the event shifted from its previous New York-centered setting.
Official pageant promotions introduced Sharma as a Maryland representative with roots in Pokhara, Nepal. Her victory followed a competition involving stage presentation, confidence, communication and cultural representation.
Four Women Receive Major Titles
Unlike previous editions that prominently recognized a winner and two runners-up, the 2026 finale presented four major placements.
The final titleholders were:
Miss Nepal North America 2026: Deepika Sharma, Maryland
First runner-up: Anamika Shrestha, Michigan
Second runner-up: Anamika Khadgi, South Carolina
Third runner-up: Reshma Niraula, Texas
Organizers described the coronation as more than a celebration of physical beauty, emphasizing courage, confidence, culture and the strength of Nepali women in North America.
In a statement following the event, Dreams Universal congratulated the winners and thanked every contestant for participating in the journey.
“While only a few received crowns, every one of you leaves as a stronger, more confident woman,” the organization said, adding that the participants had made their families and communities proud.
A Celebration of Nepali Identity
Miss Nepal North America presents itself as a platform where young women can build confidence, develop leadership qualities and remain connected to their Nepali heritage.
That cultural mission was also visible in the contestants’ pre-finale engagement with the Embassy of Nepal in Washington. The embassy encouraged the participants to promote Nepal and its cultural identity across the United States.
Nepal Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Sharad Raj Aran attended the pageant as a chief guest, according to information provided by the organizers.
The organizers said former Miss Nepal World 2022 Priyanka Rani Joshi, Bhawana Kalwani and Subeksha Khadka were among the personalities involved in mentoring and guiding the contestants.
The judging panel was reported to include Priyanka Rani Joshi, lawyer Bandita Sharma Dahal, filmmaker Dinesh Lingden, lawyer Basu Phulara, Mandira Mainali, Rajendra Shrestha and actor-model Niti Shah.
Sixteen Contestants in the Final Competition
According to the post-event information provided by the organizers, 16 contestants participated in the final competition.
They included Aisha Thapa, Anamika Khadgi, Anamika Shrestha, Bebika Koirala, Deepika Sharma, Jyotsna Belbase Chhetri, Mobisa Lama, Prapti Shrestha, Priyasha Devkota, Reshma Niraula, Riya Malla, Rojja Kharel, Shabya Bista, Terisa Baral, Upasana Adhikari and Jiya Thapamagar.
Earlier promotional announcements had listed 20 finalists. The organizers’ publicly available material reviewed for this report did not explain the reduction in the final field.
A New Beginning for the Winners
Dreams Universal, led by founder Shailesh Shrestha, organized the pageant with support from local organizers and community members. The organizers credited Bina Lama Khadka, Chandra Lama, the US Entertainment team, Namlo Events, sponsors, mentors, volunteers, judges and media partners for delivering the event.
The organization described the pageant as a space “where dreams take flight, lifelong friendships are formed, leaders are born, and our Nepali heritage is celebrated with pride.”
The supplied organizer report also states that Sharma is expected to receive an opportunity connected with the Miss Nepal 2027 competition in Nepal.
For Sharma and her fellow titleholders, the coronation begins a year of visibility, community engagement and representation. Their next challenge will be to transform the excitement surrounding the crowns into meaningful work that connects Nepali heritage, women’s leadership and the growing Diaspora community
