Kankai River

Kankai River (Mai Khola) is a trans-boundary river flowing and passing through the hills of Illam and Jhapa is a holy river of Hindu devotees. Mai Khola, itself is a holy river having various points of tourism and attraction including Domukha, Dhanuskoti, Chuli, Chepti, and Maipokhari which have their own significance and importance from religious as well as ritual point of view. Kotihom River Bank is the center for Death rituals (Aryaghat) of millions of Hindus living in Jhapa and Illam where they perform death ritual of dead people according to the tradition of Hindu religion. The river over floods during the monsoon season and destroy some of the fertile lands of Jhapa.

Kankai River, located in Jhapa district, is a famous and sacred pilgrimage site of Hindu devotees. Pilgrims from various parts of the country as well as India come to visit the place as a religious site. People worship this river as Kankai Mai dedicated the goddess Kankai and take holy bath in the river in the belief of forgiveness of their sins and fulfillment of their desires and wantings. Kankai Mela, considered as the biggest Mela of the eastern region, is held here in every Maghe Sankranti, which falls in January. The fair (Mela) is organized by Kotihom Surunga Municipality annually where Millions of people from Jhapa, Morang, Ilam and various parts of India come to enjoy and perform the religious activities. Besides the value of the river and temple, it is really good to view fishing in the river the local fisherman and the children taking bath in heat of the sun. Kankai Aryaghat (death rituals) in Kotihom (eastern bank of the river) built recently by the public investment is used for death rituals each day by the people.