Kohima#history

Kohima was originally known as Kewhi–ra.{{Cite news |last=Nesarikar |first=Vidya |date=2024-06-18 |title=Where heroes lie |url=https://www.thehindu.com/education/where-heroes-lie/article68277098.ece |access-date=2025-03-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} People from different places and directions came in search of a place to settle down and formed a homogenous group that necessitated the establishment of a village. They named it Kewhira which is derived from the Angami word kephfükewhi which means to "meet and assemble together" and ra means "village" with its area jurisdiction.{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2023-10-14 |title=The original name of Kohima is Kewhira |url=https://nagalandtribune.in/the-original-name-of-kohima-is-kewhira/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Nagaland Tribune |language=en-US}} The people of Kewhira are called Kewhimia (mia means people) who are the indigenous inhabitants and hereditarily owned the land of Kewhira.{{cite web |date=14 October 2023|title=The original name of Kohima is Kewhira,’ clarifies KVC|url=https://morungexpress.com/the-original-name-of-kohima-is-kewhira-clarifies-kvc|access-date=15 September 2024|website=The Morung Express}}

According to oral history, the historical founder of Kewhira (Kohima Village) was Tsiera (stone defender). The village is said to be more than 700 years old and is believed to be the second largest village in Asia. The village is divided into four large clans (thinuo): Tsütuonuomia, Lhisemia, Dapfhütsumia and Pfüchatsumia (T, L, D, and P Khel respectively).{{cite web |date=30 December 2010 |title=Clarification on the founder of Kewhira (Kohima) village |url=https://morungexpress.com/clarification-founder-kewhira-kohima-village |access-date=3 April 2023 |website=The Morung Express}}

The East India Company Administration started to expand into Kohima beginning the 1840s.Col Ved Prakash, Encyclopaedia of North-East India, Volume 5, Atlantic Publishers & Dist, India, 2007, p. 2158 The progress made by the company armies in annexing the region continued after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, although now under the auspices of the British Indian Army. Kohima was the first seat of modern administration as the Headquarters of Naga Hills District (then under Assam Province) with the appointment of Guybon Henry Damant as Political Officer in 1879.{{cite web|url=https://nagalandgk.com/history-battle-of-khonoma-naga-resistance-to-the-british/|title=BATTLE OF KHONOMA: THE LAST AND FINAL RESISTANCE OF THE NAGAS TO THE BRITISH|website=Nagaland GK|access-date=17 December 2024}}

{{Main|Battle of Kohima|Battle of the Tennis Court}}

File:IND 003483 tennis court at Kohima.jpg

In 1944 during the Second World War the Battle of Kohima along with the simultaneous Battle of Imphal was the turning point in the Burma Campaign.Anbarasan Ethirajan, [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55625447 Kohima: Britain's 'forgotten' battle that changed the course of WWII], bbc.com, India, February 13, 2021 For the first time in South-East Asia, the Japanese lost the initiative to the Allies, which the Allies then retained until the end of the war. This hand-to-hand battle and slaughter prevented the Japanese Army from gaining a base from which they might have easily gone into the plains of India.Bert Sim, Mosstodloch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: Pipe Major of the Gordon Highlanders at Kohima: his home is named "Kohima." -- RJWilliams, Slingerlands, NY/USA

File:Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima, Nagaland (89).jpeg]]

Kohima has a large cemetery known as the Kohima War Cemetery for the Allied war dead; it is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.{{Cite web |last=CWGC |title=Kohima War Cemetery {{!}} Cemetery Details |url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/2058100/kohima-war-cemetery/#:~:text=KOHIMA%20WAR%20CEMETERY%20lies%20on%20the%20battle,Second%20World%20War%20and%201%20non-war%20burial. |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=CWGC |language=en}} The cemetery lies on the slopes of Garrison Hill, in what was once the Deputy Commissioner's tennis court, which was the scene of intense fighting known as the Battle of the Tennis Court. The epitaph carved on the memorial of the 2nd British Division in the cemetery has become world-famous as the Kohima poem.

When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say,

For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.

The verse is attributed to John Maxwell Edmonds (1875–1958), and is thought to have been inspired by the epitaph written by Simonides to honour the Greek who fell at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.{{cite web|url=http://www.burmastar.org.uk/epitaph.htm |title=Epitaph |access-date=10 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510152752/http://www.burmastar.org.uk/epitaph.htm |archive-date=10 May 2015 }}

When Nagaland became a full-fledged state on 1 December 1963, Kohima was named as the state capital.District Kohima, [https://kohima.nic.in/history/ Demography], kohima.nic.in, India, retrieved February 12, 2021

{{main|1986 Killings of Kekuojalie Sachü and Vikhozo Yhoshü}}

On 20 March 1986, two students Kekuojalie Sachü (19) and Vikhozo Yhoshü (14) were killed and over 50 others were injured in indiscriminate firing by Nagaland Police when they participated in a peaceful protest called by the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) to rally against the state government's decision on the introduction of Indian Police Service (IPS) cadres and the extension of the Disturbed Area Belt from 5 to 20 km along the Indo-Myanmar (Indo-Burma) border. The event was so tumultuous that it led three Cabinet ministers and five State Ministers of Nagaland to resign.{{cite web|url=http://morungexpress.com/remembering-kekuojalie-sachu-vikhozo-yhoshu/|title=Rememembering Kekuojalie Sachü & Vikhozo Yhoshü|website=Morung Express|access-date=2020-07-05|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925225207/http://morungexpress.com/remembering-kekuojalie-sachu-vikhozo-yhoshu/|url-status=dead}}

{{main|1995 Kohima Massacre}}

On 5 March 1995, when a convoy of the 16th Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army, comprising 63 vehicles with 5 officers, 15 junior commissioned officers and approximately 400 soldiers was traversing through the densely populated AOC and BOC areas of Kohima en route from Bishnupur to Dimapur, a tyre burst from one of the convoy's own vehicle led the armed troops to mistake the sound of the tyre bursting for a bomb attack by insurgents. The troops reacted immediately and started firing at civilian populace. The firing lasted approximately 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., during which the soldiers discharged 1,207 rounds of gunfire and 5 mortal shells into civilian areas. A total of 7 were killed and 36 were left injured. Eyewitness accounts and subsequent investigations found no evidence of an actual ambush or crossfire with insurgents. The incident is widely referred to as the 1995 Kohima Massacre.{{Cite web|last=Naleo|first=Villo|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/remembering-truthfully-and-forgiving-generously/|title=Nagaland:Remembering Truthfully and Forgiving Generously|date=August 23, 2016|website=Eastern Mirror|access-date=5 December 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/timeline/1995.htm|title=Nagaland Timeline - Year 1995|website=South Asia Terrorism Portal|access-date=5 December 2021}}

{{main|2017 Nagaland protests}}

On 2 February 2017, the office building of the Kohima Municipal Council was burned down by a mob as part of the boycott of the Civic Elections. The fire significantly damaged adjoining government and private buildings.{{cite web|last=Rutsa|first=Xavier|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-offices-torched-in-kohima-situation-worsening-in-nagaland/articleshow/56938643.cms|title=Violence in Nagaland: Protesters attack government offices in Kohima|date=3 February 2017|website=The Times of India|access-date=24 September 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nagaland-violence-all-you-need-to-know-4505445/|title=Nagaland violence: What is the protest all about? All you need to know|date=3 February 2017|website=Indian Express|access-date=24 September 2022}} On 19 February, in response against the backdrop of widespread protests and civil unrest in the state, T. R. Zeliang announced his resignation as the Chief Minister of Nagaland.{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/nagaland-cm-tr-zeliang-resigns-amid-protests-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-unrest-3291688.html|title=Nagaland CM TR Zeliang resigns amid protests: All you need to know about the unrest|date=20 February 2017|website=First Post|access-date=24 September 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=warticle&dt=20170220112633&msec=210&ver=pf|title=TR Zeliang steps down as Nagaland Chief Minister|date=20 February 2017|website=Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt. Ltd.|access-date=24 September 2022}}

{{Main|2023 Kohima fire}}

On 27 February 2023, a massive fire broke in Mao Market and NN Market, one of the biggest commercial areas in Kohima, causing complete damage to the markets.{{cite web |date=27 February 2023 |title=Massive fire breaks out at Mao Market in Nagaland's Kohima |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-mao-market-in-nagaland-kohima-2340384-2023-02-27 |access-date=3 April 2023 |website=India Today}}

Kohima is located at 25°67' North, 94°10' East, in the southern part of Nagaland. It lies north of the Japfü–Barail intersection with Pulie Badze to the southwest overlooking the city. The hills on which Kohima is located has an elevation ranging from {{convert|1345|to|1560|m|abbr=off}}.{{Cite web|url=https://rootsandleisure.com/pulie-badze-nagaland/|title=Find Out Why Locals in Nagaland Love Trekking to "Pulie Badze" in Jotsoma Village, Kohima|website=Roots and Leisure|date=20 July 2018 |access-date=1 January 2022}}

The city experiences a subtropical highland climate (Köppen: Cwb), with greater contrast between summer and winter than in other continents due to the monsoons but mild temperatures even for latitude and altitude. The months of June to September concentrate much of the precipitation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=590733&cityname=Kohima,+Nagaland,+India&units=|title=Kohima, India Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|website=Weatherbase|access-date=2019-02-15}}

{{Weather box

|collapsed =

|location = Kohima (1991–2020, extremes 1952–2020)

|metric first = Y

|single line = Y

| Jan record high C = 24.5

| Feb record high C = 25.0

| Mar record high C = 29.1

| Apr record high C = 32.2

| May record high C = 33.9

| Jun record high C = 30.5

| Jul record high C = 33.1

| Aug record high C = 31.1

| Sep record high C = 31.0

| Oct record high C = 31.5

| Nov record high C = 29.5

| Dec record high C = 26.0

| year record high C = 33.9

| Jan high C = 16.1

| Feb high C = 19.0

| Mar high C = 23.5

| Apr high C = 25.2

| May high C = 25.1

| Jun high C = 26.0

| Jul high C = 25.8

| Aug high C = 26.2

| Sep high C = 25.6

| Oct high C = 24.2

| Nov high C = 21.8

| Dec high C = 17.0

|year high C = 22.8

| Jan low C = 5.1

| Feb low C = 6.6

| Mar low C = 10.6

| Apr low C = 13.3

| May low C = 14.7

| Jun low C = 16.7

| Jul low C = 17.2

| Aug low C = 17.2

| Sep low C = 16.4

| Oct low C = 13.5

| Nov low C = 8.8

| Dec low C = 5.2

| year low C = 11.9

| Jan record low C = 0.6

| Feb record low C = 2.3

| Mar record low C = 4.0

| Apr record low C = 5.0

| May record low C = 8.3

| Jun record low C = 9.4

| Jul record low C = 7.8

| Aug record low C = 8.3

| Sep record low C = 7.5

| Oct record low C = 5.0

| Nov record low C = 3.1

| Dec record low C = 0.7

| year record low C = 0.6

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 12.1

| Feb rain mm = 28.5

| Mar rain mm = 48.6

| Apr rain mm = 100.1

| May rain mm = 188.5

| Jun rain mm = 248.3

| Jul rain mm = 334.7

| Aug rain mm = 344.0

| Sep rain mm = 268.2

| Oct rain mm = 125.2

| Nov rain mm = 22.9

| Dec rain mm = 6.4

| year rain mm = 1727.6

| Jan rain days = 1.4

| Feb rain days = 3.0

| Mar rain days = 4.6

| Apr rain days = 9.2

| May rain days = 13.8

| Jun rain days = 17.7

| Jul rain days = 20.7

| Aug rain days = 19.0

| Sep rain days = 16.1

| Oct rain days = 8.0

| Nov rain days = 1.8

| Dec rain days = 0.7

| year rain days = 116.1

| Jan humidity = 74

| Feb humidity = 67

| Mar humidity = 65

| Apr humidity = 70

| May humidity = 77

| Jun humidity = 85

| Jul humidity = 88

| Aug humidity = 88

| Sep humidity = 86

| Oct humidity = 83

| Nov humidity = 76

| Dec humidity = 71

|year humidity = 78

|source 1 = India Meteorological Department (humidity 1961-1990){{cite web

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = April 8, 2024

}}{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200216160549/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20%281961-1990%29.pdf

| archive-date = 16 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20%281961-1990%29.pdf

| title = Station: Kohima Climatological Table 1961–1990

| work = Climatological Normals 1961–1990

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = July 2010

| pages = 447–448

| access-date = 16 February 2020

| url-status = live

}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M158

| access-date = 16 February 2020}}

}}Kohima has been ranked 36th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 3 population under 3 lakhs cities) in India.{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}

Most Wards in Kohima experiences severe water shortages during the dry seasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nagalandpost.com/index.php/kohima-set-to-become-smart-sans-running-water/|title=Kohima set to become 'smart' sans running water|date=10 March 2022|newspaper=Nagaland Post|access-date=24 April 2022}} The current water resources from the reservoirs of Zarü River and the streams from the slopes of Pulie Badze do not fulfill the needs of the rapidly growing population of Kohima. With the augmentation of the Zarü River project and several other upcoming water projects to be supplied from Dzüko Valley and others. The water supply is expected to cover more wards.{{Cite web|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/nagaland-chief-minister-commissions-kohima-water-supply-project/|title=Nagaland Chief Minister commissions Kohima water supply project|date=27 March 2021|newspaper=Eastern Mirror|access-date=30 July 2021}}

The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) was established in 2005 under India's Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992. It has waste management, drainage and trade licensing and other responsibilities.{{cite web|title=Kohima Municipal Council, Location of Kohima Municipal Council|url=http://www.kohimaonline.in/city-guide/kohima-municipal-council|website=kohimaonline.in|publisher=India Online}}{{cite web|title=Administration of Kohima, Kohima District Administration|url=http://www.kohimaonline.in/city-guide/administration-of-kohima|website=kohimaonline.in|publisher=India Online}}

Other departments of the state government, which sit in Kohima, also have a role in the administration of Kohima. The "City Development Plan" for the town, for example, was written by state Urban Development Department.{{cite web|title=Kohima CDP Revised|url=http://jnnurmmis.nic.in/toolkit/Kohima_CDP_Revised.pdf|publisher=Government of Nagaland|date=July 2006|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107005341/https://jnnurmmis.nic.in/toolkit/Kohima_CDP_Revised.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2012|url-status=dead}}

{{see also|Municipal Wards of Kohima}}

Kohima is divided into nineteen sectors with a total of thirty-three administrative wards under the authority of the Kohima Municipal Council, covering an area of about {{convert|35|km²|sqmi|abbr=on}}. Each ward has its own council government and handles many of the functions that are handled by city governments in other jurisdictions.{{Cite web|url=https://kmc.nagaland.gov.in/map.html|title=Map of Kohima|website=Kohima Municipal Council|access-date=1 December 2021}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|

• Agri Farm Ward
• Bayavü Hill Ward
• Daklane Ward
• D. Block Ward
• Dzüvürü Ward
• Electrical Ward
• Forest Ward
• Jail Ward
• Kenuozou Hill Ward
• Keziekie Ward
• Kitsübozou Ward
• Lerie Ward
• Lower Mediezie Ward
• Lower Chandmari Ward
• Lower Police Reserve Hill Ward
• Lower PWD Ward
• Merhülietsa Ward
• Middle PWD Ward
• Midland Ward
• Naga Bazaar Ward
• Naga Hospital Ward
• New Market Ward
• New Ministers' Hill Ward
• New Reserve Ward
• Old Ministers' Hill Ward
• Peraciezie Ward
• Police Reserve Hill Ward
• Sepfüzou Ward
• Thegabakha Ward
• Tsiepfü Tsiepfhe Ward
• Upper Mediezie Ward
• Upper Chandmari Ward
• Upper PWD Ward

}}

The Kohima Police of the Nagaland Police is the police force responsible for maintaining security, law and order in the Kohima Metropolitan Area. It is headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP). Kevithuto Sophie is the current SP of Kohima. The municipal area of Kohima is served by two police stations—Kohima North Police Station and Kohima South Police Station.{{cite web|url=https://police.nagaland.gov.in/sp-co/|title=SP/CO - NAGALAND POLICE|website=www.police.nagaland.gov.in|access-date=12 April 2022}}

In 2020, the Kohima North Police Station became the first police station and a government facility in the entire North Eastern Region of India to receive the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 Certification for quality management system.{{cite web|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/north-police-station-in-kohima-becomes-first-government-agency-in-nagaland-to-receive-iso-certification/|title=North Police Station in Kohima becomes first government agency in Nagaland to receive ISO certification|date=19 November 2020|newspaper=Eastern Mirror|access-date=12 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kohima-police-station-becomes-first-of-its-kind-in-north-east-india-to-receive-iso-certification-3108836.html|title=Kohima Police Station Becomes First of Its Kind in North East India to Receive ISO Certification|date=23 November 2020|publisher=News18|access-date=12 April 2022}}

Nagaland's traditional governance system persists in rural areas and urban Kohima through ward panchayats. Each ward elects a panchayat chairman every five years by a show of hands, who then appoints officials, including joint secretaries and Gaon Burhas (GBs). Recognized by the District Commissioner, ward panchayats oversee peaceful community coexistence, resolve disputes, and communicate community concerns to the government. GBs manage house tax collection due to their familiarity with households. These traditional bodies are integral to development work within their wards and hold meetings as needed. Institutionalizing them under the municipal act could formalize their roles, transferring councillors' duties to panchayat chairmen and integrating them into municipal councils as ward committees. {{Cite web |title=Kohima Study |url=https://www.praja.org/praja_docs/praja_downloads/UGN%2023%20-%20Kohima%20Study.pdf |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=praja.org}}   The Kohima Town Committee (KTC) was established in 1957 with 8 wards, 8 elected members, and 4 government nominees. Key pioneers include Shri Yusuf Ali as the first Ex-Officio Chairman, Late Dr. Neilhouzhu Kire as the first Vice-Chairman (1957–1967), and Late Joseph Jasokie as the first elected Chairman (1982–1983). {{Cite web |title=District Kohima, Government of Nagaland {{!}} The Land of Festivals {{!}} India |url=https://kmc.nagaland.gov.in/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |language=en-US}}

In 2005, Kohima's first municipality was formed under the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, with 19 elected councillors. The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) remains in a transitional phase, with its powers and functions under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act yet to be fully transferred by state government departments.

Currently, KMC governs 19 wards, covering nearly 11 sq. km (17% of the greater Kohima planning area) with a population of 98,000 as per the 2011 census.{{Cite web |title=District Kohima, Government of Nagaland {{!}} The Land of Festivals {{!}} India |url=https://kohima.nic.in/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |language=en-US}}

{{Historical populations|1910|2423|1920|2790|1930|2759|1940|3507|1950|4125|1960|7246|1970|21,545|1980|34,340|1990|51,418|2000|77,030|2010|99,039|align=right|footnote=Kohima Decadal Growth:{{cite web |url=https://www.ceicdata.com/en/india/census-population-by-towns-and-urban-agglomerations-nagaland/census-population-nagaland-kohima|title=Census: Population of Kohima |access-date=1 January 2022 }}}}

As of 2011, Kohima had a population of 99,039 of which males and females were 51,626 and 47,413 respectively. Kohima has an average literacy rate of 90.76%, higher than the national average of 76.55%.{{cite web|title=Kohima City Population Census 2011 - Nagaland|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/801466-kohima-nagaland.html|website=2011 Census of India|date=2015}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption = Religion in Kohima City (2011){{cite web|url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/nagaland/kohima/kohima-sadar/kohima-mc-population.html|title=Kohima City religion|work=Census India 2011|accessdate=22 July 2021}}

|label1 = Christianity

|value1 = 80.22

|color1 = Blue

|label2 = Hinduism

|value2 = 16.09

|color2 = DarkOrange

|label3 = Islam

|value3 = 3.06

|color3 = Green

|label4 = Buddhism

|value4 = 0.45

|color4 = Gold

|label5 = Jainism

|value5 = 0.01

|color5 = Brown

|label6 = Sikhism

|value6 = 0.08

|color6 = Yellow

|label7 = Others

|value7 = 0.05

|color7 = Grey

|label8 = Not stated

|value8 = 0.04

|color8 = Black

}}

The major religion in Kohima is Christianity which is practised by 80.22% of the population. Other religions includes Hinduism (16.09%), Islam (3.06%) and Buddhism (0.45%).

File:Kohima Central Aerial View.jpg

Tourism plays an important role in the city's economy. The number of tourists visiting Kohima has been increasing significantly each year.{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/its-a-record-nagaland-hornbill-festival-attracts-2-69-lakh-visitors/1791104/|date=11 December 2019|title=Its a record! Nagaland Hornbill Festival attracts 2.69 lakh visitors|website=The Financial Express|access-date=3 January 2022}}

File:Kohima Cemetery.jpeg

• Kohima War Cemetery

{{main|Kohima War Cemetery}}

Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who died in the Second World War at Kohima in April 1944. There are 1,420 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War at this cemetery.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2058100/KOHIMA%20WAR%20CEMETERY|title=Kohima War Cemetery|publisher=Commonwealth War Graves Commission}}

File:Kohima_Street_in_December_2016.jpg area of Kohima]]

• Sakhrie Park

{{main|Sakhrie Park}}

Sakhrie Park is a recreational park located at Middle Tsiepfü Tsiepfhe Ward (Middle AG) located between the Asian Highway 1 and the Tsiepfü Tsiepfhe Road (AG).{{Cite web|url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/states/nagaland/nagaland-the-story-of-how-a-garbage-dump-turns-into-a/cid2553904.htm|title=Nagaland: The story of how a garbage dump turns into a recreational park|website=The Northeast Today|date=8 April 2016|access-date=1 January 2022}}

• Sokhriezie Park

{{main|Sokhriezie Park}}

Sokhriezie Park is a centrally located lake that sits below the PHQ Junction.{{cite web|url=https://morungexpress.com/sokhriezie-park-inauguration-on-december-4|date=1 December 2020|title=Sokhriezie Park inauguration on December 4|website=The Morung Express|access-date=13 June 2022}}

• Kohima Botanical Garden

{{main|Kohima Botanical Garden}}

Kohima Botanical Garden is located at New Ministers' Hill Ward and is looked after by the Nagaland Forest Department.{{cite web|url=https://forest.nagaland.gov.in/forestry-research/|title=Forestry Research - Nagaland Forest Department|website=forest.nagaland.gov.in|access-date=15 April 2022}}

The Kohima Capital Cultural Center is a cultural center which has a multipurpose hall that provides various facilities for its citizens.{{Cite web|url=https://morungexpress.com/world-class-capital-cultural-hall-in-nagaland|title='World Class' Capital Cultural Hall in Nagaland|website=The Morung Express|date=1 December 2021|access-date=1 January 2022}} The Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) is a contemporary arts and music centre located in Jotsoma, about {{Convert|6|km|abbr=on}} west of the city centre.{{cite web|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/rio-inaugurates-rcempa/|title=Rio inaugurates RCEMPA|date=October 16, 2021|website=Eastern Mirror|access-date=1 January 2022}}

File:Live worship service, Kohima.jpg

• NAJ Cosfest

{{main|NAJ Cosfest}}

The NAJ Cosfest is an Otaku-based cosplay festival held every year in the month of July. The annual event was started in 2013 and is organized by the Nagaland Anime Junkies. The cosfest is one of the biggest cosplay festivals in North East India.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/nagalands-japanese-subculture/article24481651.ece|title=Nagaland's Japanese Subculture|newspaper=The Hindu|last1=Karmakar|first1=Rahul|date=July 22, 2018|access-date=1 January 2022}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nagalandpost.com/naj-cosfest-could-be-biggest-monsoon-festivals/199537.html|title=NAJ Cosfest could be one of the biggest monsoon festivals|newspaper=Nagaland Post|date=8 July 2019|access-date=29 April 2020}}

• Hornbill Festival

{{main|Hornbill Festival}}

The Hornbill Festival is the biggest annual festival in North East India. The festival is held every year from 1 to 10 December with the purpose to promote the richness of the Naga heritage and traditions. The main venue is located at the Kisama Heritage Village, located {{Convert|12|km|abbr=on}} south of the city centre.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hornbillfestival.com/about-hornbill-festival|title=About Hornbill Festival|website=Hornbill Festival|access-date=1 January 2022}}

The inhabitants of Kohima have been historically characterized as "fashion-conscious". Numerous fashion stores are located across the city and a number of fashion related events are held annually. The southern wards starting from Main Town and beyond are the most fashionable areas of Kohima.{{cite web|url=https://rootsandleisure.com/winter-fashion-in-nagaland/|date=22 October 2018|title=Winter Fashion For All Ages: Cosy Up And Take A Cue From These Stylish Local Folks from Kohima|website=Roots and Leisure|access-date=3 January 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://morungexpress.com/empyrean-couture-fallwinter-2021|date=30 September 2021|title=Empyrean Couture: Fall/Winter 2021|website=The Morung Express|access-date=3 January 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nagalandpost.com/louis-philippe-outlet-opened-in-kohima/241710.html|date=4 October 2021|title=Louis Philippe outlet opened in Kohima|website=Nagaland Post|access-date=3 January 2022|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103110420/https://www.nagalandpost.com/louis-philippe-outlet-opened-in-kohima/241710.html|url-status=dead}}

The Nagaland State Museum is located in Bayavü Hill and displays a comprehensive collection of artefacts including ancient sculptures, traditional dresses, inscriptions of the Naga people.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abhijna-emuseum.com/museums-of-india/nagaland-state-museum-window-material-socio-cultural-world-naga-tribes/|title=Nagaland State Museum : A window to the material and socio-cultural world of the Naga tribes|website=|access-date=1 January 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/kohima/the-state-museum.html|title=The State Museum|website=Incredible India|access-date=1 January 2022}}

File:KABA 2.jpg]]

The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral or commonly known as the Kohima Cathedral is a prominent landmark in Kohima. The 16 feet high carved wood crucifix is one of Asia's largest crosses. It is the biggest Catholic church in Nagaland and was constructed in 1998.{{cite web|url=https://easternpanorama.in/index.php/special-section/110-kohima-cathedral-nagaland|title=Kohima Cathedral (Nagaland)|date=30 November 2009|publisher=Eastern Panaroma|access-date=17 December 2024}}

There are numerous Protestant churches in Kohima. Kohima Ao Baptist Church and Kohima Lotha Baptist Church are some of the biggest churches in Kohima.

The Kohima Jain Temple, the oldest

Jain temple in North East India was established in 1920.{{cite book | last=Sethi | first=Raj Kumar | url={{Google books|kio4EAAAQBAJ|pg=PP10|plainurl=yes}} | title=100 years of Jainism in Nagaland - (A journey from 1885 to 1985) | publisher=Walnut Publication | year=2021 | isbn=978-93-91522-04-9}}

The most widely circulated newspapers in Kohima are The Morung Express, Nagaland Post, Eastern Mirror, Nagaland Page and the local newspaper Capi. The city was also home to the now defunct Kewhira Dielie, the first modern newspaper published from Nagaland.{{cite web|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/media-in-nagaland-challenges-and-opportunities/|title=Media in Nagaland: Challenges and Opportunities|date=28 February 2021|newspaper=Eastern Mirror|access-date=12 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://morungexpress.com/journalism-writing-needs-reflect-societal-realities-and-struggles|date=29 November 2019|title=Journalism, writing needs to reflect on societal realities and struggles|newspaper=The Morung Express|access-date=12 April 2022}}

Kohima is home to several television networks: Nagaland Cornerstone TV, Doordarshan Kendra Kohima which operates the DD Nagaland, etc.{{cite news|url=https://morungexpress.com/nagaland-cornerstone-tv-launched-highland-dawn-media|title=Nagaland Cornerstone TV launched by Highland Dawn Media|date=13 April 2016|newspaper=The Morung Express|access-date=17 December 2024}}

State-owned All India Radio has a local station in Kohima, which transmits various programs of mass interest like AIR FM Tragopan, etc.{{cite news|url=http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/air-launches-new-radio-programme-fm-tragopan/|title=AIR launches new radio programme FM Tragopan|date=3 October 2017|newspaper=Eastern Mirror|access-date=12 April 2022}}

The major public transportation in Kohima are buses and taxis.

Kohima is served by the Dimapur Airport located in Chümoukedima–Dimapur, {{convert|74|km|mi|abbr=off}} from the city centre of Kohima. The currently under construction Kohima Chiethu Airport once completed will serve as the main airport for the Greater Kohima Metropolitan Area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nagalandpost.com/proposed-chiethu-airport-gets-aai-to-prepare-dpr/222926.html|title=Proposed Chiethu airport gets AAI to prepare DPR|newspaper=Nagaland Post|date=7 October 2020|access-date=17 December 2024}}

Kohima is connected by road with NH 2 and NH 29 which pass through the city. The Dimapur–Kohima Highway is a tolled highway connecting Kohima with Dimapur.{{Cite web|url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/dimapur-kohima-superhighway-gets-cceas-nod-after-10-years/|title=Dimapur-Kohima superhighway gets CCEA's nod after 10 years|website=Eastern Mirror|date=25 July 2013|access-date=17 December 2024}}

• 30px Asian Highway 1: Tokyo – Kohima – Istanbul
• 30px Asian Highway 2: Denpasar – Kohima - Khosravi
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|2}}: Dibrugarh (Assam) – Kohima – Tuipang (Mizoram)
• {{jct|country=IND|NH|29}}: Dabaka (Assam) – Kohima – Jessami (Manipur)

{{main|Kohima Zubza Railway Station}}

Kohima is not connected with the rail network. The nearest railway stations are the Chümoukedima Shokhüvi Railway Station and the Dimapur Railway Station. An extension of the railway line from Dimapur to Kohima was proposed and surveyed in 2009.{{cite news | url=http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/2013/07/slow-train-ride-zubza-2/ | title=Slow Train Ride to Zubza | date=26 July 2013 | first=Neidilhoutuo | last=Sechü | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204175142/http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/2013/07/slow-train-ride-zubza-2/ | archive-date=4 December 2014 | newspaper=Eastern Mirror | access-date=23 May 2018 }} Due to a dispute over land acquisition the track was resurveyed and an alternative alignment was proposed in 2013 and is expected to be completed by 2026.{{Cite web |title=Construction work at Dimapur-Kohima new rail line going in full swing |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/construction-work-at-dimapur-kohima-new-rail-line-going-in-full-swing-1204587.html#:~:text=Indian%20Railways%20is%20significantly%20contributing,to%20be%20completed%20by%202026. |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}} Once completed the Kohima Zubza Railway Station on the Dhansiri–Zubza Line will serve as the main railway station of Kohima.{{cite web|url=https://www.nagalandpost.com/railways-to-reach-kohima-soon-says-nfr-gm/245806.html|title=Railways to reach Kohima soon, says NFR GM|date=2 December 2021|newspaper=Nagaland Post|access-date=1 January 2022|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101075801/https://www.nagalandpost.com/railways-to-reach-kohima-soon-says-nfr-gm/245806.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/dimapurkohima-new-bg-railway-line-project-to-be-completed-by-march-2026/articleshow/87874467.cms|title=Dimapur–Kohima new BG railway line project to be completed by March 2026|date=23 November 2021|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=1 January 2022}}

Regardless of its hilly terrain, cycling has become an increasingly popular way to get in and around Kohima. A bicycle-sharing system was launched in September 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastmojo.com/news/2020/09/25/nagaland-a-step-towards-making-kohima-smart-city-a-hub-for-cycling/|title=Nagaland: A step towards making Kohima smart city a hub for cycling|date=25 September 2020|website=East Mojo|access-date=30 July 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-capital-kohima-among-indias-top-11-cycling-pioneers|title=Nagaland capital Kohima among India's Top 11 Cycling Pioneers|date=28 July 2021|website=The Morung Express|access-date=30 July 2021}}

{{See also|List of higher education and academic institutions in Kohima}}

Kohima is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in Nagaland.{{cite web|url=https://kohima.nic.in/education/|title=www.kohima.nic.in|website=Education|access-date=17 December 2024}}

• Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research
• Model Christian College
• Alder College
• Baptist College
• Capital College of Higher Education
• Kohima College
• Mount Olive College
• Oriental College
• Kros College
• Modern College
• Kohima Law College
• Don Bosco College, Kohima

The following are major Universities and Colleges located in the Greater Kohima Metropolitan Area:

• St. Joseph's College, Jakhama
• Kohima Science College, Jotsoma
• Sazolie College, Jotsoma
• Japfü Christian College, Kigwema
• Nagaland University, Meriema Campus

• Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School
• Little Flower Higher Secondary School
• Mezhür Higher Secondary School
• Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School
• Fernwood School
• G. Rio School
• Dainty Buds School
• Vineyard School
• Northfield School
• Coraggio School
• Stella Higher Secondary School
• Chandmari Higher Secondary School
• Mount Sinai Higher Secondary School
• Bethel Higher Secondary School

Indira Gandhi Stadium, inaugurated in 2003 is the multipurpose stadium of the city. It includes a running track and a football field.{{Cite web|last1=Parashar |first1=Utpal|title=Nagaland: Kohima Village Council against rechristening of Indira Gandhi Stadium|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagaland-kohima-village-council-against-rechristening-of-indira-gandhi-stadium/story-SBNF9DUsIUFjTqDWS6KXrO.html|website=Hindustan Times|date=29 March 2018|access-date=17 December 2024}}

Kohima is home to Kohima Komets, an association football club that plays in the top division Nagaland Premier League.{{Cite web|last1=Chaudhuri |first1=Arunava|title=Nagaland Premier League kicks-off in March|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/sports/nagaland-premier-league-kicks-off-in-march|website=www.sportskeeda.com|date=27 February 2012|access-date=17 December 2024}}

The Naga wrestling enjoys widespread popularity in Kohima with people from all over Nagaland coming to witness the Naga Wrestling Championship held every two years at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) located in the heart of Kohima. The first Naga Wrestling Tournament was held in Kohima in 1971.{{Cite web|url=https://morungexpress.com/naga-wrestling-highest-grossing-sport-nagaland|title=Naga Wrestling: The highest grossing sport in Nagaland|date=13 February 2020|website=The Morung Express|access-date=30 July 2021}}

{{main|List of people from Kohima}}

{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}

• Outline of Kohima
• Municipal Wards of Kohima
• Index of Kohima-related articles

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Swinson |first=Arthur |year=2015 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BfWlBgAAQBAJ&q=kohima |title=Kohima |location=London |publisher=Head of Zeus|isbn=9781784081775 }} From Google Books.
• {{cite book |author-link= |last=Edwards |first=Leslie |year=2009 |title=Kohima: The Furthest Battle: The Story of the Japanese invasion of India in 1944 and the 'British-Indian Thermopylae' |location=Cheltenham |publisher=The History Press |isbn=978-0-7509-5260-6}}

{{Wikimedia|voy=Kohima|collapsible=true}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070419164533/http://kohima.nic.in/profile.htm Official website]
• [https://www.kohimasmartcity.com/ Kohima Smart City] (Official website)

{{North East India}}

{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities and towns in Kohima district

Category:Hill stations in Nagaland

Category:Populated places established in 1878

Category:1878 establishments

Category:Indian capital cities

Category:Tourism in Northeast India