Jhapa

Demography

Much is not known about its early settlements. Scattered and few small villages used to be in the vast and dense forest area of Jhapa. In the 60's and early 70's landscape of Jhapa began to change forever as people from the hills came there to own and cultivate the land under the 'resettlement program'. Eradication of malaria helped change its old name and perception of 'kalapani' into an attractive and fertile place. Fertile land, beautiful landscape, proximity to Nepali speaking part of India, attracted many people there for settlement.No indigenous ethnicity are known to have settled there. Small number of Rajbansi population and some other even smaller in numbers were found to have lived there before the mass migration from various parts of the country and North-eastern part of India and Burma. Jhapa is home to many indigenous ethnic nationalities such as the Limbu, Rai, and Dhimal . Other ethnic groups such as Dhangad, Koche, Rajbanshi, Satar, Meche, Tamang, Uraon, Magar, Gurung, Gangain and many others came to Jhapa in the late 19th century, so did the Hill/mountain castes Bahun, Chhettri, and Newar.
Jhapa is diverse and rich in culture and traditions due to the influences of its different tribes. All the tribes/ethnic groups have their own languages, customs and traditions, and they celebrate their festivals every year.

Climate and geography

Jhapa receives 250 to 300 cm of rainfall a year, and mostly during the monsoon season in the summer, and its hilly northern area receives more rainfall than the south. Its major rivers, like the Mechi River, Kankai Mai, Ratuwa, Biring, Deuniya,(Aduwa), (Bhuteni)(Dhangri), Hadiya, and Ninda,Krishne Khola, Gauriya, Ramchandre etc. provide water for irrigation. Due to its alluvial soil best suited for agriculture, Jhapa has been the largest producer of rice and is therefore known as the Grain Grocery of Nepal^{[citation needed]}. Besides cereal crops like rice and wheat, it is also one of the largest producers of jute, tea, betel nut, rubber and other cash crops.
Jhapa also has vast areas of forests, such as Deonia, Charali, Charkose Jhaadi, Hadiya, Sukhani, Jalthal, and others. Its name itself is derived from the Rajbanshi word "jhapa" meaning "canopy", which suggests that the area was a dense forest in the past. It was once such a dense and dangerous forest that it was called Kaalapaani and prisoners were sent here to die of malaria and other diseases in the jungle.

Attractions and sites

Jhapa also has several religious and historical sites of great importance like Kankai Mai, Kichakbadh, Satasidham, Arjundhara, Chillagadh, Biratpokhar, and Krishnathumki among others. It is believed that Pandu's son Bhim had killed Kichak in Kichakbadh (near Kechana in the south border) in the time of the Mahabharata and a great festival is observed on that day every year. There is also the historical fort of Chandragadh which gave its name to Chandragadhi. Other sites too have their own religious and historical values. It is also the gateway to Darjeeling and Sikkim and the rest of north-east India from Nepal.
Recently, Jhapa is gaining popularity in the medical field especially in eye treatment. Each day hundreds of patient from adjoining distract of Nepal and India visits Mechi Eye Hospital for eye treatment.The other major centers of attractions are Jhamunkhadi Simsar Tourism Area in Surunga and Domukha as well

Development

Jhapa is one of the most developed districts of the country. Almost all the villages and towns are linked by roads. There are schools and colleges in many parts of the district. There is also an airport and a hospital in Chandragadhi. It has the highest literacy rate in the country after Kathmandu, Kaski and Chitwan districts. Airport is domestic and you can get regular flights from Kathmandu to Chadragadi to Kathmandu. It takes one hour flight. There is a hundred bedded Zonal hospital. It has different departments as Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology & obstetrics, Paediatrics, and the 24 hours emergency facilities. AMDA Hospital Damak,established in 1992 as AMDA referral center of 15-bed capacity with the help of AMDA International, and Damak Municipality. There are some private hospitals like Life Line Hospital,Damak, Mechi Model Hospital & Research Center Pvt.Ltd.Birtamod etc. The government hospital also provides the plastic surgery services occasionally.

Education

Jhapa has a literacy rate of 16.93^[1] percent. Chulla Chulli English Boarding School and Little Flowers School are some of the best schools in the country. There are also some good private schools like Suryodaya Boarding School, Siddhartha Boarding School, Newtons Education Academy, Shree Pashupati Secondary School and Balmiki Academy.

Role in national politics

It plays the main role in national politics. The Communist revolution was started from the Jhapa, which led to formation of one the most prominent party of nation CPN-UML. Many national political figures are from Jhapa such as R.K Mainali, K.P Oli, K.P Sitaula, Chakra Bastola, C.P Mainali. Recently during JanaAndolan 2063 (April Revolution) Jhapa played a significant role in the agitation against Royal takeover. Around 5 peoples were killed by the Royal Army in Bhadrapur and many more deaths weren't disclosed.

Agriculture and industry

Jhapa is also famous for microcredit development. The Small Farmer Development Programme (SFDP) was the first rural and micro-financing program in Jhapa. The Agricultural Development Bank started this Small Farmer Development Programm in 1988. It started in a few VDCs and spread. After lifted many people out of poverty, the SFDP was handed over to the local people and the new institution was named Small Farmer Cooperative Ltd (SFCL). There are currently 13 SFCLs in Jhapa, each of which covers a single VDC.
It is one of the major districts for the Production of Tea and Rice. Budhabare situated on the northern side of the Mahendra Highway is one of the most fertile lands of Nepal. Jhapa as a district is also popular for the bittle nuts (Supari). Several large Tea Estate are also located in Jhapa. Giri Bandhu Tea Estate, Burne tea state, Tokla Tea Estate,Himalaya Tea State,Damak, Sattighatta Tea Estate are the Major ones.
 Arjundhara Jaleshwardham is a religious site of jhapa, Nepal. It is also known as the pashupatinath of the east.The religious hindu beleaves and it's history has made this place a attractive place for the local and foreign tourist. It lies in the Arjundhara VDC.Dispite of being a religious site of hindu lord Ram, Many people of different religious come here seeking the beauty of nature and pieceful environment here. Arjundhara Jaleshwardham is a religious site of lord Arjun. A large and beautiful pagoda style temple made in 2065BS, the religious pond and its history is the main attraction of the place. Besides that there are many more things very attractive that can be found in this place.It is said that Arjun had come here and had extracted the pond here, which is said to be very religious. The only 'gurukul' in the whole jhapa is established here.
Arjundhara Jaleshwardham

        Arjundhara Jaleshwardham is located in arjundhara VDC, jhapa district. It is very close to sanchare and just 1-2km from birtamod. Many religious people contribute there whole life for Arjundhara Jaleshwardham. Many childrens are sent to this place to learn the holy books of hindus and become a great priest in there there future. A 'gurukul' has been established here in the year 2040BS in which 50-60 students are educated. The facility of food, shalter,clothes,etc are all managed by the a 14 membered committee established for the management of the dham.

HISTORY

        In accordings to The great saga of Mahavarat. Many years ago when there was dispite between 'pandab'and'caurav'(characters of The Mahavarat).The cauravs won the pandavs by using fake tricks. It was mentioned already that the looser should live in forest for 12 years and they will have to live a secret life for one year. As the pandavs had lost they went and leaved in the forest for 12 years. For living secret life they came to present biratnagar to the king birat. The cauravs thought that the pandavs were hiding in the king Birat's place so they kidnapped the cows of king birat. Arjun (one of the pandav brothers) and Uthar (son of king Birat) were sent to rescue the cows. After the cows were rescued, Arjun extracted water by using his bow & arrow for those cows.


Arjundhara Jaleshwardham is said to be the place where Arjun used his bow & arrow to extract water. The holy pond is still found there. So, according to the holy story the name was given to this place Arjundhara.
The establishment of the Arjundhara Jaleshwardham was done in 2023BS by a holy man named 'khade baba'. In accordings to the holy man a temple was established in this place in 2023BS. The temple as was developing big, 2040 onwards every year 'puran' is organised and the income from the 'puran' is used in the welfare of the Dham.

PRESENT

        The committee of arjundhara Jaleshwardham maintains the whole activities of the Dham. Every year 'puran' is organised and the income from the 'puran' is used by the committee in the welfare of the Dham. Presedent of the committee is elected every 3 years. Nearly 18-20 lakhs is collected in the annual Ceremonies held in 'Mansir' and 'shrawan'. Other voluntary group, institution, individuals also contribute property, economy and other things for the Dham.
A 'gurukul' had been established named 'Arjundhara shanskrit bidya Pathi' in the year 2040BS in which 50-60 students are educated. The facility of food, shalter,clothes,etc are all managed by the a 14 membered committee established for the management of the dham.
A Shanskrit school also has been established by the Dham named 'Arjundhara shanskrit Mabi'.
It is estimated that a 150 feet tall 'Shiva linga' will be constructed in the future in this place, which is than to be the worlds tallest 'Shiva linga'.

Reaching The Place

It has easy accessibility. From Kathmandu take a bus to Birtamod-Jhapa, a small town on the east-west Highway. you will reach there in ten minutes via Taxi. The other option is fly to Bhadrapure (45 minutes flight from Kathmandu) and catch a taxi. You will reach there in 30 minutes' drive from Bhadrapure airport

 Some Photographs of Arjundhara are here;

 

Birat Pokhar
Birat pokhar is a religious & touristy site situated in anarmani-4 village development, Jhapa district in eastern part of Nepal. This site consists of a holy pond (birat pokhar) whih has its own historical values. This site is suitated in anarmani-4, jhapa, Nepal. The beauti lake and peaceful environment is the main attraction of the place.
'Birat pokhar birat sarowar bahudhashiya bikas samiti' manages all the activities of the 'pokhar'. There is cultivation and tea garden near the holy pond. The people near to the pond themself also clean and manages the pond. This holy 'birat pokhar' covers 5 'bigas' of land.

Fig:Main temple of birat_pokhar.

HISTORY

        In accordings to The great saga of Mahavarat. 5000 years ago when there was dispite between 'pandab'and'caurav'(characters of The Mahavarat).The cauravs won the pandavs by using fake tricks. It was mentioned already that the looser should live in forest for 12 years and they will have to live a secret life for one year. As the pandavs had lost they went and leaved in the forest for 12 years. For living secret life they came to present biratnagar to the king Birat.
While grazzing the cows of king Birat, Pandavs had constructed this holy pond in one night for their cows.

Fig:Other temples around kankai-mai.

Present

Now 'Birat pokhar birat sarowar bahudhashiya bikas samiti' is actively involving in it's sustainable development of this area. But the development cannot be seen much. Due to Lack of interest from the gorverment and other organization, this touristic place has not been successful. A temple has been constructed by the committee. Small road surrounds the lake by all sides. Management of 3 boats for the boating in the lake has been done. A water pump has been established for purification of water in the lake. Trees are all around planted to increase the beauty of the lake. 

Fig: Way around birat pokhar.  

 

Reaching The Place

       It has easy accessibility. From Kathmandu take a bus to Birtamod-Jhapa, a small town on the east-west Highway. You will reach there in half-an-hour minutes rickshaw ride. The other option is fly to Bhadrapure (45 minutes flight from Kathmandu) and catch a taxi. You will reach there in 30 minutes' drive from Bhadrapure airport.

Fig: World hindu association jhapa near birat pokhar.

Some Photographs are here;

                                                 Kankai-dham
Kankai dham, Kotihom is a very famous religious & touristy site situated in Surunga village development, Jhapa district in eastern part of Nepal with area of about ten hectors. It is sprawling at the eastern bank of the Kankai-dham the sacred river that flows through the central part of the district.There are more than two dozens of small & big temples, inns, cloister etc.in Kankaidham. It is divided into two parts, The easter area from the river is known as Kankai dham, Kotihom and the western part is known as Kankai dham.

        Now 'Kankai dham Religious Development Committee' is actively involving in it sustainable development of this area. The fire begun in the ritual ceremony of 1985 is still incessantly burning inside the alter of Shivapanchayan Temple which is being renovated into a concrete form. Every year more than a half million devotees and tourists visit here for performing the ritual deeds such as worship,marriage/wedding, Bratabandha ( a religious ritual of giving a sacred thread to Hindu bachelor),Puraan (Mythology) etc.Moreover thousands of people from far and wide come here for getting peace mind by evading them from their hectic mechanical schedules of domestic chores and noisy disturbing environments. 

Fig:Main temple of kankaidham.  

HISTORY

        About the history of its set-up,a grand ritual ceremony (Kotihom Mahayaggya) was performed here in 1985 AD with the outstanding inspiration and leadership of late Yogi Naraharinath, a towering personality in the religious and historical field in and out of Nepal. Since then it has been named kotihom and latter changed into Kankaidham,Kotihom.

Fig:Other temples around 

Reaching The Place

       It has easy accessibility. From Kathmandu take a bus to Surunga-Jhapa, a small town on the east-west Highway. you will reach kankai-dham in ten minutes rickshaw ride. The other option is fly to Bhadrapure (45 minutes flight from Kathmandu) and catch a taxi. You will reach there in 30 minutes' drive from Bhadrapure airport.
Take a bath in sacred Kankai river. Enjoy and take photos of scenic view (natural gift).Relax among local people with their extra-ordinary lifestyle .Bird-watching. Walk around the for taste of rural lives.

Fig:Longest bridge of Nepal.

Fig:The most religious temple of kirats in jhapa.   

 Some Photographs are here;

                                                 Satashi Dham
 Satashi dham is a religious site of jhapa, Nepal. The heart melting beauty of the palce have made this place more attractive and beautyful. People come here for picnic and for religious visits. It lies in the border of jhapa and illam distict of Nepal. Dispite of being a religious site of hindu lord sivha, Many people of different religious come here seeking the beauty of nature and pieceful environment. Satashi dham is a religious site of hindu lord sivha, many historical and religious gufas are found in this place. The lord shiva water fall is also a tourist attraction of this place. The religious Temples, the beauty and the historical places present there is its speciality. Satashi Dham is located in Jhapa district, bordered to illam.

        It is situated in ward number-9.The total population is about 10-15 around the satashi dham area. The area covers about 14-15 beegas. there is a dense forest to the north of the area.The main cities around are Jhiljhile, Dudhe of that area. There are four VDCs around the area. The pepole like Bramins, Magar, Saints,Sages live in that area. It is beleaved that the wild animals like elephant, tiger, etc come to that place. The place is biologically important too. There is Shiva Parvati Gufa,Birenun Aushadhi pani, Pandava Yoga Sthan, around the area. 

Fig:Main temple of Satashi-dham.  

PRESENT

The managemment of the area is done by the Satashi-Dham Committee which is organized by the people who are working for this dham and the local peoples. A big fair is organized every year in this place in Shiva-ratri. The Donations by the visitors and the money collected in the fair is utilized by the committee for the sustainable development of the area. People come here for picnic and for religious visits. A picnic area is also seperated by the committee for organizing picnics. Other ----volentears---- group, institution, individuals also contribute property, economy and other things for the Dham.

Reaching The Place

It has easy accessibility. From Kathmandu take a bus to Jhiljhile or surunga-Jhapa, a small town on the east-west Highway. Than you can reach satashi-Dham in 30 minutes via Taxi. The other option is fly to Bhadrapure (45 minutes flight from Kathmandu) and catch a taxi. You will reach there in 45 minutes' drive from Bhadrapure airport  

Some Photographs are here;