Kankai Municipality, located in the Jhapa District of Koshi Province, is a thriving town in Nepal’s southeastern Terai region. Named after the Kankai River, one of the most revered and scenic rivers in eastern Nepal, Kankai is rapidly emerging as a commercial, religious, and residential hub. With a blend of cultural harmony, fertile land, and developing infrastructure, Kankai plays an important role in regional growth.

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Quick Facts about Kankai

• Province: Koshi Province

• District: Jhapa

• Municipality Type: Urban Municipality (established in 2014)

• Headquarters: Surunga

• Elevation: ~80–100 meters above sea level

• Population (2021 Census): Approx. 60,000

• Major Rivers: Kankai (also called Kankai Mai)

• Main Languages: Nepali, Rajbanshi, Maithili, Limbu, Hindi

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Origin of the Name

The municipality is named after the Kankai Mai, a sacred river believed to have divine significance among Hindus. Pilgrims visit the riverbanks to perform religious rituals, especially during Maghe Sankranti and Kartik Snan, and it is also a site for cremation and ancestral offerings.

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Major Areas within Kankai Municipality

• Surunga – The municipal headquarters and commercial center

• Ghopa, Durgapur, Satasidham, and Baniyani – Key residential and agricultural zones

• Kankai Ghat – A religious site on the Kankai River attracting thousands of pilgrims

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Religious and Cultural Importance

1. Kankai Ghat (Surunga)

• One of Nepal’s prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites, especially during:

  • Maghe Sankranti

  • Kartik Purnima

  • Pitri Shraddha rituals

• Pilgrims bathe in the Kankai River for purification and blessings

• Hosts a major mela (fair) drawing people from Jhapa, Morang, and even northern Bihar (India)

2. Temples and Shrines

• Numerous small temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi

• Local pujas and yajnas are frequently conducted at the riverbank and community halls

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Economy and Livelihood

Kankai’s economy is driven by a mix of:

• Agriculture: Rice, maize, wheat, mustard, vegetables

• Small-scale industries and trade

• Retail and local businesses, especially in Surunga

• Remittances from Gulf countries, Malaysia, and India

• Tourism and pilgrimage-related services

With growing urbanization, the municipality is also witnessing an increase in real estate development and financial services.

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Education and Health

Education:

• Several public and private schools, including:

  • Surunga Secondary School

  • Everest English Boarding School

  • Local campuses offering +2 and Bachelor’s degrees

• Growing access to technical and vocational training

Health:

• Kankai Hospital and Research Center – serves the municipality and surrounding areas

• Health posts, pharmacies, and clinics in each ward

• Regular health camps during festivals and emergencies

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Infrastructure and Development

• Roads: Paved internal roads and access to the East-West (Mahendra) Highway

• Transportation: Buses and jeeps to Birtamod, Damak, and Biratnagar

• Public Services: Street lighting, drinking water pipelines, waste management initiatives

• Urban Expansion: Fast-growing residential neighborhoods in Surunga and Ghopa

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Festivals and Local Life

Kankai is home to a diverse population including Rajbanshi, Brahmin, Chhetri, Tharu, Limbu, Rai, and Muslim communities, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene.

Celebrated Festivals:

• Maghe Sankranti (main festival at Kankai Ghat)

• Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath

• Eid and Ramadan (Muslim minority)

• Lhosar among the hill ethnic groups

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Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing riverbank erosion and monsoon flooding

• Need for urban planning and sanitation improvements

• Limited access to advanced healthcare and higher education

Opportunities:

• Promotion of religious tourism and eco-tourism

• Development of Kankai riverfront with parks and trails

• Investment in agriculture modernization

• Growth as a transit hub between hill and Terai regions

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Fun Trivia

• Kankai River is considered as sacred in eastern Nepal as Bagmati is in Kathmandu.

• The town of Surunga is named after a legend of an underground tunnel (surung in Nepali) linked to ancient mythology.

• The Kankai Mela during Maghe Sankranti attracts over 100,000 people annually.

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Final Thoughts

Kankai Municipality is a place where spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and urban potential come together. Whether you’re a pilgrim visiting Kankai Ghat, a traveler seeking peace near the river, or a resident investing in a fast-growing town, Kankai offers both roots and opportunities. It is truly a rising star of Jhapa District and a hidden gem in eastern Nepal.