Nagaland is a paradise for the daring and the intrepid, offering endless exploring opportunities in its lush, verdant sub-tropical rain forests, which are also a storehouse of numerous medicinal plants. Other activities in Nagaland include trekking, rock climbing, and jungle camping. The region’s geographic location and abundant biodiversity have made it a popular tourist destination. With its many cultural origins, hills, mountains, plains, and plateaus, as well as its biodiversity hotspots, this region is a popular travel destination for people from all over the world. Additionally, Nagaland is known for Asia’s tallest church, Sumi Baptist Church!
Sumi Baptist Church, Asia’s Tallest Church!
Behold the Sumi Baptist Church ~ the largest church in Asia situated in Zunheboto, Nagaland.
This magnificent architectural marvel stands as a testament to devotion of the people towards Jesus Christ and is a symbol of pride for the people of Nagaland.
The church’s impressive… pic.twitter.com/eXmhjGvU42
— nagalandtourism (@tourismdeptgon) October 31, 2023
The Zunheboto District’s Sumi Baptist Church is quite a sight to behold because it can be seen from 20 different settlements. At 1800 metres above sea level, this church was to become the largest building of its kind in Asia when it opened to the public in 2005, having started construction more than ten years earlier.
Even before it became a tourist destination, the Church with its white and blue facade and proposed seating capacity of over 8000 people made quite a name for itself. Even though earthquakes frequently occur in North East India, the engineers managed to build a sturdy church for its patrons. One of the sites to see in Nagaland is an eight-story structure.
Asia’s largest church is shaped like an egg and is visible from over twenty surrounding towns. Not only for its eye-catching blue turrets but also for its 500-kilogram bell that was brought over from Poland. The church also has a conference hall, seminar hall, meeting hall, 14 office rooms, sick room, dressing room, cafeteria and children’s playroom.
Also Read: Rooted In Myths & Folklores, Here’s All About Nagaland’s Traditional Log Drums
The Architect Behind This Marvel
Mother of three and architect Honoholi K. Chishi-Zhimomi of the firm Akitektura has inspired many and gained national and international recognition for her design of the church. She received her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Adelaide in Australia and studied architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. She was particularly interested in colossal structures and modern and Gothic architecture.
Honoholi K. Chishi-Zhimomi, 38 years old, was born and raised in Nagaland. With the assistance of roughly 2,000 labourers, she created the Sumi Baptist Church at an estimated cost of ₹36 crore.
According to her, the Zunheboto Church has been under construction for the past ten to eleven years. With its design having been created thirteen years ago. It has therefore been a very lengthy but worthwhile project. She is glad to hear all of the positive comments and contributions now that she has looked back, especially about the design and how happy everyone is.
In fact, it really is a work of divine inspiration. It is his home, and she feels incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to create such a magnificent structure for God, albeit she must admit that God is the true source of inspiration.
The church’s magnificent building, which can hold thousands of worshippers, is a representation of the community’s solidarity and faith.
Also Read: Nagaland Landslide: Huge Rocks Roll Down A Hill In Nagaland; 2 Killed & 3 Injured
Comment below and share your thoughts about Asia’s tallest church in Nagaland!
Cover Image Courtesy: Nagaland Tourism/ X (Formerly, Twitter)
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