All Things Kohima | What You Need to Know About the Cosmopolitan District of Nagaland

Image from @Viyie_vikuophre 

Pause here for a moment if you’re curious to learn about Kohima from a native’s perspective. The capital of Nagaland never ceases to intrigue her neighbours, travellers, and people from across the globe. I came up with this article after seeing several Kohima-related questions on the internet, and as a way to stay in tune with my roots. 

Discover the answers to Kohima's most frequently asked questions below. 

Where Is Kohima?

Kohima is nestled in the hills of Nagaland, one of the Northeastern states of India. Home to the Angami Naga tribe, the region is situated on Mt. Japfü’s foothills which form a part of the Barail mountain range. In 1963, with Nagaland obtaining statehood, Kohima gained official recognition as her capital. 

Which Language Is Spoken in Kohima?

The major language of Kohima’s indigenous natives, the Angami Nagas is called Tenyidie. However, since Nagaland’s capital is home to several tribes and communities, Nagamese and English are widely used for ease of communication. For the unversed, Nagamese constitutes the modified mix of Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi. Thanks to Nagamese, intercommunity and tribal relations remain alive. 

Why Is Kohima Famous?

Kohima boasts a wholesome cultural experience with scenic locations and landmarks of great historical significance. The legacy of World War II remains embedded in the Kohima War Cemetery and the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral. 

Speaking of culture, the district is known for hosting the Hornbill festival, the festival of festivals. The ten-day festival attracts numerous tourists every year from all over the world.

To keep us engrossed (and also not to make this blog too textbook-ish), I’ve gathered a few gripping facts about Kohima.

Noteworthy Facts About Kohima

• The name Kohima is the anglicised version of the indigenous Angami nomenclature Kewhira.

• The British made Kohima their administrative headquarters during the colonial rule in the Naga Hills.

• Kohima village or ‘Bara Basti’, meaning ‘the big village’ is known as Asia’s second-largest village.

• The World’s tallest rhododendron tree standing at 108 ft growing in Mt. Japfü, Kohima found a place in the Guinness World Records in 1993.

• Kohima witnessed one of the bloodiest World War II battles, also known as the ‘Stalingrad of the East’.

• The WWII battles of Kohima and Imphal found recognition in a 2013 poll by the British National Army Museum as ‘Britain’s Greatest Battle’. 

• According to Robert Lyman, a British military historian, the Battle of Kohima remains significant in WWII history for changing the war's course in Asia.

• Japanese funding played a crucial role in building Kohima’s magnificent Mary Help of Christians Cathedral on Aradura Hill. The cathedral served as a healing and reconciliatory ground for the Japanese and English war veterans.

How Is Life in Kohima?

Kohima serves as a cultural centre home to several ethnic groups and diverse communities. Despite Christianity being the majority religion, other religions do exist in harmony. The modern Naga lifestyle and Naga popular culture consist of an amalgamation of the West’s influence, Bollywood, Japanese popular culture, and the Korean wave. Nightlife is ‘almost’ non-existent although people are embracing emerging trends of evening recreation. Street fashion, multi-cuisines, thrift shopping, and a lively music scene form an integral part of life in Kohima. 

Is Kohima Safe?

Safety shouldn’t top your concerns if you’re travelling to Kohima. I realised how safe I felt as a woman in Kohima after I travelled outside Nagaland. In my hometown, I don’t experience inappropriate groping in public places which unfortunately is quite common in many mainland Indian cities.   

What to Do When You’re in Kohima

Aside from visiting the top tourist attractions in Kohima, you can:

• Include village hopping in your itinerary

• Indulge in restaurant/cafe hopping

• Taste Nagaland coffee

• Experience sunrise at Pulie Badze 

• Plan a visit to Dzϋkou Valley 

• Invigorate your senses through the challenging Mt. Japfϋ trek

• Picnic and hang out (better if you make local acquaintances)

• Camp on the fields

• Spend a day doing nothing but relaxing in the village (there’s something soothing in the mountain air)

• Check out the NAJ Cosfest (held in July every year), one of the biggest anime cosplay festivals in Northeast India

• Witness the much-hyped Angami wrestling matches (if you’re in town during wrestling season) 

• Go secondhand shopping in the markets of Kohima and try your luck at bargaining!

Is Kohima Worth Visiting?

Coming from a local, Kohima (Nagaland) has obscure locations that don’t appear on tourist itineraries. This city has so much to offer in terms of culture and history. Although life in Kohima may be ‘slow and hilly’ topped with unpredictable weather, one's experience doesn't fall short of adventures. I suppose Angami hospitality, pork with bamboo shoot, and zutho (rice beer) are worth splurging on. Kohima has become a multicultural hub for modern Nagas. Explore diversity at its best!