How Many Followers Of Hinduism Are There Worldwide
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world with a deep-rooted history, stretching to centuries before the start of the common era. It is the third-largest religion in the world, with an estimated following of over a billion people globally, with most Hindu followers residing in India. Despite the large scale international impact of Hinduism, often attributed to a person’s birth and the culture they are in, there is much ambiguity surrounding the Global Hindu population.
Estimates on the exact number of Hindu followers range widely, with the Pew Research Centre offering a figure of 1.2 billion, while a 2008 report conducted by The Hindu Population in India suggested an overall number as high as 1.6 billion. The variance in reported figures is attributed to multiple factors, including the varied definitions of Hinduism’s faith and the difficulty in determining actual practising devotees due to its loosely structured and sometimes ambiguous set of belief structures.
In terms of geography, whilst the majority of Hindu beliefs are concentrated in India and surrounding South East Asian countries, Hinduism has spread across the globe, evidenced through the presence of Hindu temples in many countries including China, Japan, UK and the US. The USA alone has an estimated 2.23 million followers, with states such as Texas and California reporting higher numbers of practitioners, likely attributable to the larger international immigrant populations that have settled in those regions over the past decade.
The prominent social media presence of the Hindu makes up an ever-increasing percentage of global outreach and growth, with notable influencers such as Swami Brahmavarchasananda and GnanaKura contributing to the further spread of Hinduism, and its various branches, across the world through their engagement in various activities.There has also been an increased number of publications, text and research available globally, gaining wider attention and interest in understanding more about the concept, providing further support to the growth of Hinduism.
Hindus posses distinctive customs and habits, powerful mantras, and hundreds of traditional festivals that strongly influence their beliefs, actions and emotions and differentiate them from other global religions. Hinduism fascinates people for its fascinating stories, and its rituals and spiritual practices create great meaning for those who practice it or are interested in the religion.
Broader Contexts
Though the exact number of followers of Hinduism is elusive, it has grown substantially over the centuries and, despite contention from opponents, it stands as one of the largest religious sects, with a large and complex following. Its global footprint and impact, politically, economically and socially, have been steadily rising, and have been instrumental in developing new standards within countries, communities and individuals.
Its presence in global cultures, developing values, ethics and customs, and its embrace and celebration of spiritual, social and cultural diversity, have made it an increasingly important global force, with more and more Hindu followers expanding their religious and cultural practices around the world. This has enabled different orthodox, reformed and contemporary Hindu faiths to emerge in many countries, changing these societies and communities in various ways.
For example, the modern world has witnessed a great increase in the spread of Hindu customs through the incorporation of Hindu spirituality in many aspects of daily life, be it the burning of incense, or the introduction of statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses into people’s homes, with this trend likely to continue, augmenting the growth of the Hindu religion as it reaches farther corners of the world.
Advancement Of Technology
With the advancement of technology, Hinduism has expanded to new heights, both in terms of its acceptance and promotion by the proponents, and its advocacy by non-believers. Social media and the internet have provided an invaluable tool for propagation of the Hindu religion, allowing people to connect and exchange ideas, debate the history and theology, and discuss the intricate relationship between faith and reason.
Video streaming services have also revolutionised Hindu television and film industries, granting further prominence and enabling the infiltration of Hindu values into mainstream entertainment. This has the potential to significantly influence health practices and cultural norms, increasing engagement with the religion and its followers.
Role Of Government
The government is also playing its part in ensuring that Hinduism remains relevant and grows steadily over time. India’s central government recently passed a mandate to modernise and standardise the theology and teaching of the Hindu faith, which has boosted its appeal among the younger generations and contributed to its growing popularity.
The government is also increasing the presence of Hinduism in its public policies, notably in health, education and culture where greater focus is placed on acknowledging and celebrating Hindu beliefs and customs. For example, India is planning to introduce a Hinduism section in its school curriculum in order to raise awareness of Hindu religion and history among children.
Civil Society
Civil society, too, is driving the growth of Hinduism in global societies. Faith-based organisations, such as Hindu temples and charities, are actively involved in the promotion of Hinduism and its values, aided by donations and support from individuals, congregations and institutions.
An effective way this has been achieved is through the development of innovative yet ancient Indian rituals, such as Rites of Passage, which mark significant milestones in a Hindu’s life such as marriage, childbirth, and death. Notable Hindu organisations, such as the Hindu Council of America, Tryambakam Yajurveda Sangham and International Society of Krishna Consciousness, are working to promote and popularise Hinduism, both within and beyond India.
Conversion, Expansion & Acceptance
Increasing global acceptance of Hinduism has opened ways for increased expansion of the religion. Numerous reports, including a 2017 study by the Centre for Human Welfare, suggest a rise in conversion of adherents, particularly among western countries, as many people become attracted to the Hindu philosophy, principles and rituals.This is in part due to the fact that it offers a more flexible, less prescriptive and more personal spiritual path.
A significant milestone related to the expansion of Hinduism was the announcement of the construction of the world’s first non-denominational Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi in 2021. This marks a further recognition of the influence and appeal of the Hindu faith, with soon to be opened the temple likely to become the leading centre for Hindu devotion and pilgrimage in the Middle East.
The growing abode of Hinduism has also enabled it to flourish in its traditional lands as well. India’s 2020 Census revealed an increased Hindu presence in the states of Assam, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, with a corresponding decrease in the number of adherents of other religions. This is likely attributed to several religious campaigns, such as ‘Rashtriya Hindu Andolan’, the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ movement, and the ‘Love Jihad’ allegations, amongst others, that have been gaining considerable traction in India in recent years.
Economic Benefits
The growth of Hinduism has not only impacted the spiritual, social and cultural realms, but it has also been prominent in the economic sphere. In India, for example, growing Hinduism has driven the rise of a large and vibrant Hindu cuisine sector, with the traditional food being promoted in many cities and countries, especially in the US and Europe.
The global popularity of Hindu pilgrimage sites such as Pushkar, Tirupati and Varanasi has also boosted the local tourism economies, and the growing neo-Hindu conception of ‘Ayurveda’, an ancient system of medicine with roots in Hindu culture, is now gaining prevalence internationally, driving a new and distinct industry in the country.
Adaptation In A Multicultural World
The increased presence of Hinduism worldwide has also prompted its various doctrines to adapt to the unique and distinct needs of each follower. This includes the embracing of modern and previously hidden practices, such as the Bhakti Yoga (a devotional approach to Hinduism), and the celebration of the male-female energy balance in Tantric and Shakti Traditions, with many Hindu beliefs and rituals now being interpreted differently a more progressive and modern outlook.
Overall, the Hindu faith is predicted to continue its trajectory of rapid growth and expansion, as more people become exposed to its spiritual richness and traditions and its followers continue to extend its global reach.
