The Spiritual Heart of Jhapa
Spanning the sacred Kankai River (Mai Khola) along the East-West Highway in Jhapa, the iconic Kankai Mai Bridge connects eastern communities directly to Kankai Dham (Kotihom). Established on the eastern riverbank following the historic Kotihom Mahayaggya ritual in 1985 AD led by Yogi Naraharinath, this 10-hectare holy sanctuary is home to over two dozen temples, ashrams, and green riverfront gardens. Renowned for the purifying waters of the Kankai Mai river, the bridge and surrounding temple complex stand as a central landmark for spiritual pilgrimage, riverfront views, and local culture.
Quick Facts and Key Information
Location Kankai Municipality (Surunga), Jhapa District, Koshi Province
River System Kankai River (Mai Khola)
Establishment Year 1985 AD (Following the Kotihom Mahayaggya)
Complex Area Approximately 10 hectares with 24+ temples and ashrams
Major Annual Festival Mai Mela Fair (Maghe Sankranti / Magh 1st)
Nearest Airport Bhadrapur Airport (Chandragadhi) – 30 km Southeast
Historical and Religious Significance
Kankai Dham’s identity as a spiritual center was formalized in 1985 AD (2041 BS) when Yogi Naraharinath, a prominent Nepalese historian and religious leader, conducted a grand Kotihom Mahayaggya (a sacred mega-fire ritual) on the eastern riverbank. Following the event, the area evolved into Kankai Dham, becoming a primary pilgrimage destination in Eastern Nepal.
The Kankai Mai river itself is revered by local communities for its spiritual purity. Devotees believe taking a ritual bath in its waters cleanses sins and brings spiritual peace. The riverbank complex now incorporates lush vegetation, peaceful retreats, and the community-built Kankai Aryaghat for traditional death rituals.
Annual Mai Mela – Festival Schedule & Visitor Guide
The annual Mai Mela is the largest cultural and religious fair in Eastern Nepal, held at Kankai Dham along the Kankai Mai riverbank. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from Jhapa, Morang, Sunasari, Ilam, Panchthar, and West Bengal/Bihar in India, the fair combines holy river dips with regional trade and festivities.
Primary Festival Dates Magh 1st to Magh 3rd every year (Mid-January / Maghe Sankranti)
Peak Pilgrimage Day Magh 1st (Holy Snan/Bathing ritual at dawn)
Fair Duration Main religious rites run for 3 days; commercial fair stalls operate for up to 10–15 days
Key Trade Goods Radhi-Pakhi blankets, sugarcane, bamboo crafts, local sweets, and farm tools
Kankai Mai Bridge River Views
The prominent highway bridge offers sweeping panoramic views of the wide Kankai River channel, surrounding green forests, and the foothills of Ilam. It is a popular spot for photography and watching sunset over the water.
Kankai Dham Temple Complex
A peaceful 10-hectare sacred grove featuring over two dozen small and large temples, inns, and Vedic cloisters shaded by mature trees, making it ideal for meditation, walks, and prayer.
Sacred River Snan (Bathing)
Pilgrims gather at the river ghats to take ceremonial baths in the purifying waters of Kankai Mai, especially during Maghe Sankranti and monthly full moon (Purnima) occasions.
Birdwatching & Local Cuisine
Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching along the riverine forest vegetation, while food enthusiasts can sample regional Terai and hill delicacies in nearby Surunga Bazaar.
Routes and Transportation Options
By Bus / Car: Kankai Dham is situated right along the main East-West Highway in Surunga, Jhapa. Travelers taking long-distance buses from Kathmandu or Pokhara can get off directly at Surunga Bazaar and take a short 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride to the temple site.
By Air via Bhadrapur Airport: Take a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu (TIA) to Bhadrapur Airport (Chandragadhi). From the airport, hire a taxi to travel 30 km northwest to Surunga (approx. 35 minutes drive).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mai Mela held at Kankai Dham?
The Mai Mela fair is held every year starting on Magh 1st (Maghe Sankranti, mid-January), with main religious rituals running for 3 days and fair stalls staying active for over a week.
What is Kankai Dham (Kotihom)?
Kankai Dham is a 10-hectare religious and tourism sanctuary situated on the eastern bank of the Kankai River in Surunga, Jhapa, housing over two dozen temples and ashrams.
How far is Kankai Dham from Bhadrapur Airport?
Kankai Dham is located approximately 30 km northwest of Bhadrapur Airport, easily reachable in about 35 minutes by taxi.
