The word Vania is derived from 'Vaniji', which means 'trader' in Sanskrit. The Bania community has gotras (clans), and many of their clan names are based on the name of the place they are from. Business, trade, jewelry-making, and agriculture are their traditional occupations. Floor painting and folk songs represent their art and culture. A Jangam priest performs the ritual of naming a newborn by putting a thread around the infant's neck. Most live in India, but there are some in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. They use titles such as Shah, Shroff, Parikkh, Chokshi, Seth, and Gandhi. Their communities have an organization called the Mandal to look after the temples and each community's property.

Ministry Obstacles: Wealth impedes spiritual hunger. People with much wealth are often numb to their spiritual needs.

Scripture Focus: "For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great."
- Psalm 25:11

Prayer Focus: Pray for many from today’s people group to understand that they are sinful and need God as their savior. Ask God to send several Christian workers among them to help Bania to understand their need for the only Savior. Ask God to instill in the Bania a spiritual hunger that leads them to look to the gospels and find answers in Jesus Christ. Pray for the salvation of Bania who will take Christ to other Bania.