Mary Help of Christians Cathedral

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, commonly known as Kohima Cathedral, is a prominent Catholic cathedral located on Aradhurah Hill in Kohima, Nagaland. Consecrated in 1991, it serves as the seat of the Diocese of Kohima and is noted as one of the largest churches in Northeast India. The building blends modern design with traditional Naga architectural elements, featuring a facade inspired by Naga houses, wood carvings, and stained glass depicting local culture.

Visitors can expect a large cruciform cathedral set on a hill overlooking Kohima town with panoramic views. The exterior resembles a traditional Naga house with sloping roofs, while the interior features a spacious prayer hall, wooden carvings, stained-glass windows, Stations of the Cross with Naga motifs, and a central altar. The complex includes landscaped grounds, steps leading to the entrance, and a calm environment for sightseeing, photography of architecture, and quiet prayer.

The cathedral was constructed between 1986 and 1991 and consecrated in January 1991 as the cathedral for the Diocese of Kohima, which was established in 1973. The building was designed to incorporate Naga traditional architectural forms and was partly funded by contributions from Japanese Catholics as a gesture of peace and reconciliation following the Battle of Kohima in 1944.

As the principal Catholic cathedral in Nagaland, it serves as the religious and administrative centre for the Catholic community in the state. Its architecture reflects Naga cultural identity through its house-like facade, indigenous woodwork, and stained glass depicting Naga life, symbolizing the integration of Christian faith with local tribal heritage.