Halwai
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| • India• Bangladesh • Nepal * Pakistan | |
| Languages | |
| • Hindi • Bengali • Maithili .Awadhi • Bhojpuri . Angika • Marwari Punjabi | |
| Religion | |
| • Hinduism, Jainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| • Muslim Halwai • Bania • Vaishya |
Halwai is an Indian caste and a social class, whose traditional occupation was confectionery and sweet-making. The name is derived from the word Halwa which is a sweet dish.
The community is known by different names in different parts of India. For instance, it's called Modanseni,Yagyaseni, kany kujb halwai, madheshiya halwai, Kanu(Kandu) etc. in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Moira-Modak in West Bengal; Gudia in Odisha and so on.
The nature of their work has undergone a paradigm shift in the last couple of decades as the members of this community is taking up works from various other fields. The community is gradually attaining social mobility as they are not limited to their traditional profession any longer as of date. This is the case not just in India but also in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.