Hinduism is one of the oldest and most widely practiced religions in the world. With a history that dates as far back as 1500 BCE, Hinduism has stood the test of time and continues to thrive today. But despite its longevity, it is hard to pin down an exact number of followers of Hinduism, as the figures vary widely. Some estimates suggest that close to 900 million people around the world practice Hinduism today, but it is impossible to say for certain.
It is easy to see how such a vast figure can be attained when considering the almost-global spread of Hinduism. The religion is practised widely in Asia, in countries such as India and Nepal, as well as in other parts of the world, such as Trinidad and Tobago, and Mauritius. The presence of Hindus in other countries should not be underestimated, as estimates indicate that there are now more overseas Hindus than in India.
However, there is more to the number of people who practice Hinduism than just the count. A noteworthy suggestion by experts of the religion is that a key part of being a Hindu is to retain a connection to the larger Hindu universe – even if an individual has converted to another religion, they can still be considered a Hindu.
Indeed, it is important to consider that Hinduism is not an all or nothing religion, which allows individuals to use it to shape their religious beliefs according to personal preferences. This versatility invites an element of vagueness on the part of its believers, in which it can seem difficult to measure the actual numbers of practitioners who share the same faith.
As such, while it is safe to assume that there are a large number of Hindus around the world, it is impossible to provide an accurate count. Given its organic nature, Hinduism’s followers remain fluid and hard to pin down.
Effects of Urbanization
Urbanization has had a profound effect on the number of Hindus in some areas of the world. For instance, in India, urban migration is impacting the numbers of Hindus, but the effect varies from one Indian state to another. While it is true that India’s total Hindu population has been declining over the last decade, the drop is much more concentrated in the urban centres – leading some experts to believe that the Hindu population in rural India is actually increasing.
In particular, states like Kerala, which contain both large urban areas and rural areas, have seen the greatest discrepancy between urban Hindu decline and rural Hindu growth. This discrepancy is also seen in other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Goa, where urban Hindu populations have declined while rural Hindu numbers have been rising.
Urbanization appears to be affecting Hindus in a range of other countries, too. In Nepal, for example, a greater presence of Hindus in cities has allowed them to make up for their relatively small numbers in the rural population. Even in the United States, where Hinduism is not a majority faith, Hindu populations in urban areas have increased from 0.1%; to 0.5%; in the last decade -outpacing the overall national growth rate.
How Hinduism is Evolving
As well as affecting the numbers of Hindus around the world, urbanization has also been affected changing the way Hinduism is practiced. In India, where a large number of Hindus are living in cities, some have adopted new customs and beliefs, resulting in urban Hinduism transforming into something a little different.
For instance, more modern Hindus have adopted inter-faith practices, such as prayer rituals incorporating aspects from other faiths. Other Hindu communities have even embraced vegetarianism and changed the style of their worship. This has led to the emergence of an urban Hindu identity – one that is separate from the one traditionally practiced in the rural Indian landscape.
Urbanization has also been changing the way in which Hindu practices have been spreading around the world. Since cities tend to be hotbeds of cultural exchange, Hindus living in urban areas have been exposed to a range of thought processes and ideas. This has, in turn, presented them with the opportunity to develop new practices, and share their faith with people from other religious backgrounds.
As such, while the number of Hindus practicing their faith in cities is certainly growing, it is also important to recognise how urbanization is affecting the way in which the religion is being practised. By embracing a more modern form of the faith, Hindus are ensuring that the religion remains relevant in today’s world.
Religious Freedom of Hindus
Religious freedom is a fundamental part of Hinduism, as it allows individuals to practice their faith as they choose. This is especially pertinent in countries like India, where 1-in-3 people practice Hinduism, but also in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, where Hinduism is the second most practised religion.
In addition, a number of countries have laws that protect the religious rights of the Hindu minority population. In some nations, such as the United Kingdom, formal legislation is in place to prevent discrimination of people based on faith. Other countries, like the United States, also offer an abundance of religious freedom, allowing Hindus to practice their faith free from discrimination.
Furthermore, some nations such as Sri Lanka have even designated specific days as ‘Hindu festivals’, which are celebrated by both Hindus and non-Hindus alike. This demonstrates how some countries have gone to lengths to ensure the rights of their Hindu minority population are respected and protected.
Overall, religious freedom is an essential element to the growth and resilience of Hinduism, as the lack of restrictions allows the religion to reach people from all over the world. While it cannot be disputed that the numbers of Hindus are high, it is just as important to consider the obstacles and opportunities facing the religion as its followers strive for religious freedom.
Hindus and Politics
The role of Hinduism in politics is typically highlighted in India, where the religion has been a cornerstone of both national and regional politics for decades. The number of Hindus in India has given the faith a great degree of political power, and many political parties have used this to their advantage by crafting their agenda in favor of Hindus.
For instance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is widely seen as a party that champions the Hindu cause, appealing to the large Hindu population in India. They also regularly refer to ‘Hindutva’ – a right-wing ideology that emphasizes Hinduism’s unique identity in India – to attract the Hindu vote.
However, there is evidence that Hinduism is having an influence on politics in other countries, too. In Mauritius, the Hindu-led Militant Mouvement Socialiste Mauricien party won the 2019 national elections, demonstrating the faith’s presence in the political arena. In addition, both Bangladesh and Nepal have seen Hindu-dominated parties in power.
The presence of Hinduism in politics is significant, as it gives Hindus a voice in a realm that has traditionally been dominated by other faiths. Furthermore, it is a powerful demonstration of the faith’s potential to shape culture, particularly if more Hindus are encouraged to get involved in the political process.
Hinduism in the Digital Age
Technology has revolutionized our lives in recent years, and Hinduism is no exception. Social media is playing a huge role in influencing how Hindus practice their faith, by enabling them to engage in online prayer rituals, or access religious resources like scriptures and stories.
Furthermore, technology is allowing Hindus around the world to connect and share their faith, creating a global Hindu community. In recent years, more Hindu organizations have adopted digital media as a tool to spread their message, resulting in Hindus from all over the globe finding a sense of belonging in the faith.
Indeed, the numerous Hindu-focused apps that have appeared online have been a great help in unifying the faith. Organizations like Alochana, a platform for Hindu-focused articles and perspectives, or Shanti, an app that enables people to create their own virtual diurnal altar, are equipping devotees with the tools they need to unite and connect with each other.
Overall, technology clearly has an important part to play in the growth of Hinduism. By allowing Hindus to remain connected to each other, regardless of physical location, technology is allowing the faith to become a truly global phenomenon.
Dispelling Misconceptions about Hinduism
Misconceptions about the Hindu faith persist in some parts of the world, and this can be damaging to Hindu communities who are often perceived as outsiders. Specifically, some of the most common misconceptions include that Hinduism is a polytheistic faith and a fatalistic religion, or promoting inappropriate gender roles.
The truth, however, is that Hinduism is a complex and multifaceted faith, and such stereotypes and generalizations do it a great disservice. At its core, Hinduism values inclusivity and encourages its followers to strive for personal growth. In fact, the faith’s three main elements (dharma, artha and kama) suggest that individuals should be purposeful, successful and content – neither of these ideas is compatible with a fatalistic approach.
Similarly, there is nothing in the faith that suggests that it is overtly polytheistic or encourages inappropriate gender roles. Adherence to the teachings of Hinduism is, of course, open to interpretation and debate. But by bestowing individuals with the freedom to pursue their own spiritual journey, it is clear that such claims can only be described as stereotypes.
Ultimately, Hinduism is a peaceful faith, and its followers should never be judged based on unsubstantiated mischaracterizations. With more people learning about its true tenets and traditions, perhaps the faith will be given greater understanding and an opportunity to flourish in peace.
