This is where Kohima began, according to Naga belief. Barra basti, the big village, is reputedly the second ranking village in all Asia for its sheer size but there is a lot more to the village than its dimensions. There is, for instance, a ceremonial gateway- the traditional entrance to all Naga Villages- carved with defensive motifs of warriors and guns, and the symbols of prosperity the Mithun. Further up. and to the side of the road, the old gate still stands in its own little shelter, still respected in its retirement. And still further into the heart of the steeply- rising Alage is a house built in the traditional Naga style with the upthrust crossed ‘horns‘ crowning the gable, carved Mithun heads to indicate the status of the owners, a huge basket granary in the Verandah, and a trough in which to make rice beer for the whole community.