Draft:Balakhuti

Balakhuti is a local village located in the Souhtern part of Dang Deukhuri of Nepal in Lumbini Province (Province number 5).It lies in ward number 6 of Gadhawa Rural Municipality in Rapti Zone.At the time of the latest census year 2078 Bs(2021 Ad) in Nepal,it had a population of 350 persons living in 75 individual households.

Geography
Balakhuti is situated in the Inner Terai region of Nepal, characterized by its proximity to a forest and a nearby stream. The village is home to two temples: Kandara Temple and Ma-Durga Temple.

Demographics
According to the 2021 census, Balakhuti has a population of 350 people. The village is noted for its cultural and religious diversity, with residents practicing various religions and speaking different languages.

History
Balakhuti has a rich history with local legends suggesting it was once considered the home of God Shiva and Goddess Durga.

Culture
The village is culturally vibrant, with a mix of castes and ethnic groups including Yadav, Chhetri, Brahmin, Muslim, and Tharu communities. Festivals and ceremonies, particularly those honoring God Shiva and Goddess Durga, are central to the community's cultural life. Weekly gatherings at Kandara Temple involve singing and prayers, especially among the Yadav community.

About Gadhawa
Gadhawa (Gadawa) is a village in the Gadhawa Rural Municipality of Dang Deukhuri District in Lumbini Province, south-western Nepal. It was, prior to September 2015, also a Village Development Committee in Dang Deukhuri District, Rapti Zone. At the time of the 2011 Nepal census the VDC had a population of 11,430 persons living in 2,176 households, up from the 2001 Nepal census of 7,877 persons living in 1,188 households. It is surrounded by the former Gangapraspur VDC to the east, Koilabas VDC to the south, Bela VDC to the west and Chailahi VDC to the north. The North-South Damodar road runs through Gadhawa and communicates with the Indian border via Koilabas VDC and to the East-West highway (Mahendra highway) via Chailahi VDC. The majority of the population consists of Tharu, Khas Brahmin, and Yadav. There are a few Muslims. Most people are agriculturalists; however, a few are employed in small businesses.There are 8 wards in Gadhawa rural municipality including ward number 6 (Balakhuti)village.