Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and it is so vast and heterodox that there is no single book of faith, governing body or set of beliefs held among all its adherents. Despite this, it is estimated that somewhere between 900 million and 1.25 billion people around the world practice some form of Hinduism, making it the third-largest religion in the world. In 2022, what will be the number of Hindu followers?
Estimates of Hinduism’s global following vary and, while there are no precise figures, the Pew Research Center predicts that the number may reach 1.46 billion people in 2022, up from 1.25 billion people in 2020. Studies conducted by numerous organizations and institutions, such as The World Religion Database (WRD) and the Global Change Institute, suggest that India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United States will remain the top 5 countries with the largest Hindu followers.
Although the number of Hindu followers worldwide is expected to grow, experts are uncertain about how this will affect Hinduism’s place in the global society. The lack of central control in Hinduism may negatively impact its growth if the trends seen in other religions such as Christianity and Islam persist. In addition, the spread of other religions in India, such as Christianity and Islam, could potentially reduce the number of people who practice Hinduism.
However, the rise of Hindu nationalism in India could have a positive impact on the number of Hindu followers, as some Hindus follow nationalist movements as a form of religious expression. The increased popularization of Hindu symbols and rituals in India could also increase the number of followers, as many people are drawn to the spiritualism and mysticism of Hinduism. In addition, Hinduism is a religion that is open to various interpretations and therefore appeals to people of diverse beliefs.
It is difficult to accurately predict the number of Hindu followers in 2022, but it is clear that Hinduism is a major belief system that has enjoyed a resurgence in the last few decades. Hinduism’s resilience, flexibility and openness will undoubtedly play an important role in the trajectory of its growth in the years ahead.
Continuity in Rural Areas
Hinduism is deeply entrenched in rural areas of India, especially in the northern and central states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Around 70% of the population in these states are Hindus and the vast majority of them follow a variety of folk traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. This kind of continuity is an important factor in predicting the number of Hindu followers since it’s likely that these populations will continue to remain in their traditional affiliations.
The majority of people in rural areas in India still live according to traditional customs, observing festivals and rituals, and maintaining a strong connection to their Hindu identities. This holds particularly true in villages where access to new technologies and modern trends is limited. In 2022, therefore, it is likely that rural areas in India will continue to have a large Hindu population.
Moreover, the spread of Hindu gurus, temples, and religious-based charities in rural areas has further strengthened the Hindu faith and helped promote religious conversion. The presence of these organizations in rural areas has become an important part of local culture and is influential in shaping popular perceptions about Hinduism.
Given these factors, it is likely that rural areas in India will continue to be major sites of Hindu worship and belief in 2022 and beyond.
Migration and Hinduism
Although Hinduism is heavily concentrated in the Indian sub-continent, it has also spread to other parts of the world, particularly in Southeast and East Asia, Europe, and the United States. This expansion has largely been driven by Hindu migration and the growth of Hinduism abroad has been significant.
In the United States, for example, the number of Hindu followers has increased more than fivefold since 1990. The inexorable rise of diaspora communities—Hindu populations that have left India and are now spread around the world—has been a major contributor to the growth of Hinduism abroad.
Experts believe that this trend will continue in 2022, and that the number of Hindu followers outside of India will rise significantly. This is due to the fact that the demographics of Hindu followers are now more varied, with Hindu-origin communities living in many countries around the world.
Organizations such as the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) are actively advocating for the acceptance of Hinduism in the U.S., as well as in other countries where Hindu populations are present, and this campaigning will likely yield positive results in 2022 and beyond.
Consequently, it is possible that both migration and diaspora communities will have a positive impact on the number of Hindu followers in the world, and the number of Hindu followers outside of India will continue to grow in 2022.
Global Reach
In addition to its presence in India, the United States, and other parts of the world, Hinduism has also reached many countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia. In these countries, Hinduism is often adopted alongside another religion, and the beliefs of Hindu followers often incorporate elements from other belief systems.
Despite these hybrid forms, Hinduism is still a major religion in these countries and, as Hindu populations have settled in various countries, Hinduism has become a global phenomenon. As a result, it is expected that Hinduism may have an even greater global reach in 2022.
For example, the Supreme Court in Indonesia, a majority Muslim country, ruled in favour of allowing Hindus to build temples and follow their own rituals. This ruling was cheered by many HinduFollowers as it shows a level of acceptance of Hinduism in a traditionally Muslim country.
In other countries, Hindu gurus and philanthropists have established Hindu centres to propagate the faith. In Singapore, for example, Hindu charities and temples have been established to promote Hinduism and attract more followers. The continued support from the government, as well as from religious organizations, will likely contribute to the growth of Hindu populations in Singapore in 2022 and beyond.
Growing Popularity
Besides its presence in India, the United States, and other countries, Hinduism has become increasingly popular in various countries in recent years. This is likely due to its openness to interpretation and its emphasis on spirituality and tolerance. Moreover, Hinduism is seen as a neutral faith that can be adapted to a variety of traditions and beliefs. For example, many Americans have adopted some Hindu beliefs and rituals such as yoga and the practice of meditation.
Although it is hard to predict the number of Hindu followers in 2022, it is likely that Hinduism will continue to enjoy a growth in popularity as a result of its flexibility and openness. This is particularly true in the United States, where there is an increasing acceptance of Hinduism as a faith.
In addition, the growth of Hinduism in countries with large Muslim populations, like Indonesia, could potentially attract many more followers. The increasing popularity of Hindu travel and education could also play a role in the growth of Hinduism in 2022 and beyond.
Hinduism in 2021 & 2022
It is clear that Hinduism is a major religion with a vast following that is expected to continue to grow in the years ahead. While it is not easy to predict the exact numbers, it is likely that the number of Hindu followers will reach around 1.46 billion in 2022. This growth will likely be driven by various factors, including the spread of Hindu gurus, temples, and charities in rural areas, Hindu migration and the growth of Hinduism abroad, and the growing popularity of Hinduism.
Therefore, it is possible that by 2022, Hinduism will become even more widespread, and that its reach and influence will continue to increase.
