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Nagaland

Cathedral Church

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map

January

3.0 - 18.9 °C

February

4.3 - 22.1 °C

March

7.5 - 27.4 °C

April

9.7 - 28.6 °C

May

11.3 - 28.4 °C

June

14.6 - 29.4 °C

July

15.1 - 29.0 °C

August

15.5 - 29.4 °C

September

14.5 - 28.4 °C

October

10.0 - 27.9 °C

November

6.4 - 25.4 °C

December

3.2 - 20.9 °C

Major Airports :

Dimapur Airport (DMU), Dimapur

Nearest Railway Station :

Dimapur Railway Station (DMV)

Major Airports :

Dimapur Airport (DMU), Dimapur

The church on the hill

“When you enter here, bring before the Lord all those who gave their lives and all those who will give their all for your better and safer Nagaland”—thus reads the sign inside the famed Cathedral Church in Kohima, Nagaland.

The church, also known as the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, serves as the main church of the diocese of Kohima in Nagaland. It is easily recognisable because of its unique architecture, which incorporates various elements of traditional Naga houses. The cathedral's overall design blends into the hill on which it is located. Notably, the church features a 16-foot-high carved wood crucifix, which is one of the largest crosses in Asia.

The cathedral in Kohima has a fascinating history too! It was envisioned by the first bishop of Kohima, Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil, and the cathedral complex even contains his tomb. The construction of this impressive structure began in 1986, and the church was consecrated in 1991. Interestingly, the cathedral was predominantly funded by Japanese survivors and family members of the unfortunate to honour the Japanese soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Kohima during World War II. Even more intriguing, it served as a venue for reconciliatory meetings between Japanese and British veterans who had been on opposing sides during the war. For a state that was long ridden with violence and unrest, the church served as a safe sanctuary and reflected the locals' hope.

A marvel of design

As you enter the church gates, you will be greeted by a stunning traditional facade. The building covers an area of 25,000 square feet and has four gates in four directions.

The main church features a semi-circular gallery of pews that can accommodate up to 3000 people, while the entire compound can hold up to 20,000 people. A part of the roof, which is on top of the central podium, showcases beautiful, stained glasses and ensures ample natural lighting throughout the day.

Inside the church, you'll also find a permanent olive wood crib made from Bethlehem's olive wood, which is a captivating feature. The overall ambience of the church exudes peace and tranquillity, making it a place where one would want to spend more time in quiet reflection. From the church, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the city below!

Things to do at the church

Sundays are a great day to visit this church and see it in its full glory, but Christmas is the perfect time. That's when you can truly experience the beauty of the Christian religion and culture. A visit to the tomb of Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil (the first Bishop of Nagaland) within the church will enlighten you about his immense contribution to Nagaland and its people. You'll also get to learn about his life story as a priest and a missionary.

For an immersive religious experience, you can attend the prayers held between 8 AM and 4 PM. To promote strength and integrity among the local people, the church holds daily Eucharistic celebrations. It also conducts daily spiritual and counselling programs for the people of the locality, which visitors can also attend.

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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

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More places to visit nearby

After your visit to the Cathedral Church, you can continue your exploration of Kohima. There’s a lot more to uncover in this lovely city. You can go for a short drive to the Naga Heritage Village or Kisama Village, which is famous for being the venue of the Hornbill Festival. You can also visit the Kohima War Cemetery and pay your respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Battle of Kohima. Or, for a taste of adventure, take a trip to the breathtaking Dzukou Valley and enjoy the beauty of nature!