Baniya
Among the different groups of Udaaya Samaj, the Baniya are traders by profession. But in ancient times the Baniya have been producing ayurvedic medicines and treating the sick people. Because of their contribution in medicines, the Baniyas were appointed as royal physicians. In addition to that they have been supplying various spices which are needed in preparing our food.
The main settlements of Baniyas are Itumbahal and Baniya Chuka. There are 40 Baniya households. They have two kawals namely Itumbahal with 19 families and Baniya Chuka with 22 families. Their Agam Dyo was originally in Layaku Bahi, behind Tago Gan. Now it has been transferred to Baniya Chuka in Jhochhen and Itumbahal. However, Baniyas go to Layaku Bahi to offer puja for a whole month during the Gunla Festival even to this day. The duty to perform this puja falls on the person who is hosting the Desi Puja. In the same way, the Baniyas offer Puaj at Shantipur in Swoyambhu on the tenth day of the dark half of the lunar calendar.
The Baniyas make digestive powder, medicine, ointment, plaster, massage oil, medicated gundpak, and various other herbal medicines and spices. Their duty at the holy Samyak festival is to prepare and distribute Sakhati, a sirup made of unrefined sugar seasoned with spices. The Baniyas have founded their organization called Baniya Khala in Nepal Sambat 1121 .
