Kohima Cathedral Church

The Catholic Cathedral situated in Kohima is a major tourist attraction for the people visiting the place. Located in the Aradura hills in Kohima, the Catholic cathedral is the center of Catholic Church in Nagaland. With amazing architectural structure, the church is a semi circular building. It is built in traditional naga style and is considered one of the biggest cathedrals in the entire north east India. The crucifix of Kohima cathedral is in fact the tallest in India. Carved out of wood, the crucifix is around sixteen feet high and considered as one of the tallest  crucifixes in Asia. The cathedral holds in it, the last remains of the first Bishop of Nagaland, Rt. Rev Abraham Alangimattathil.

Nagaland is a state which has seen a lot of violence and hatred; many wars have been fought in this place, lives lost and shots fired. It is due to this that the people here are so religious and looks up to God almighty for his blessings. The Church stands as a beacon of hope and peace, thus making the people here strong to face any hurdles and keep the undying faith in the Lord.

As soon as one enters the Church, one cannot help but notice a quoted slab on the right side that reads:
  “When you enter in here, bring before the Lord, all those who gave their life and all those who will give their all for your better and safer Nagaland.”

The cathedral is a structural beauty that dominates the landscape of Kohima. Also regarded as the largest Cathedral in the entire Asia, the cathedral has been gaining more and more fame in recent times.

History of Kohima Cathedral Church

The history of the church is quite interesting. The church was put up on special request of the Japanese who had invaded into Nagaland then. In the battle of Kohima in the spring of 1944, the Japanese, the British and the Indians fought for the Garrison Hill. It was during this war that thousands of lives were lost. The Japanese survivors and the members of the unfortunate families who lost their kith and kin decided to put up the church in their memories and offer their prayers so that their souls may rest in peace. Hence, came up the huge Catholic cathedral in Kohima.

The church is spread over an area of 25,000 sq. feet which is a huge covering. A total of 3000 people can seat and pray in the church and apart from that if all the spaces are occupied inside the church then a total of 20,000 people can accommodate. A very attractive feature of the cathedral is that a permanent olive wood crib has been installed which is from Bethlehem’s olive Wood. People wanting to witness architectural magnificence must surely visit this place.