1. Overview
Hinduism is an ancient religion with a complex history, and its influence continues to pervade different aspects of modern life. It is estimated that 1.2 billion people, or 15-16% of the global population, identify as Hindus, meaning that Hinduism is one of the world’s most widely-practiced religions. Although Hinduism is rooted in the Indian subcontinent, it has spread over the centuries, making it a diverse and significant religious tradition all over the world. In this article, we will explore the scope and nature of Hinduism’s global reach, uncovering how many people actually believe in Hinduism and the associated beliefs and practices.
2. Hinduism’s Origin and Reach
Little is known about the origin of the Hindu faith, though the earliest written records of Hinduism date back to the Vedic period (1700-1100 BCE). Since then, the religion has evolved, incorporating new principles and beliefs over time. Hinduism is composed of four major denominations, each with its own gods and goddesses, rituals and ceremonies, and spiritual practices: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Although the majority of Hindus live in India, Hindu beliefs have spread across the world. The diaspora of Hindus can be found in various countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Trinidad, Guyana, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, and the United States. These communities have not only managed to maintain their distinct identity, but also have experienced some degree of influence from their surrounding cultures.
3. Hinduism by Country
Hinduism is the dominant religion in India, accounting for 79.8% of the population; Nepal is the second largest Hindu-majority country, accounting for 81% of the population. Bhutan has Telugu, Nepali, and Bengali minorities who are predominantly Hindu, and about 26% of the population is Hindu. In Sri Lanka, the majority of Tamils are Hindus; around 70% of the Indian-origin Sri Lankan population is Hindu. Similarly, in Mauritius and Guyana, 51.9% and 28.4%, respectively, of the population is Hindu.
In the United States, over 1.5 million people identify as Hindu and comprise 0.5% of the population. Significant Hindu populations also exist in United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia, representing 0.3%, 0.3%, 1.5% and 1.9%, respectively, of the population.
4. Hinduism by Sect
There are different sects of Hinduism, each with its own set of beliefs and practices. Vaishnavism is the largest sect, comprised of 63.9% of the global Hindu population, followed by Shaivism (20.7%), Shaktism (8.7%), and Smartism (2.7%).
Vaishnavism revolves around the worship of Vishnu and his ten avatars, including Rama and Krishna. It is a major facet of Hinduism and provides a strong spiritual foundation for the religion. Shaivism, on the other hand, is centred around the worship of Shiva and his attributes and represents an integral part of Hindu spirituality. Shaktism is based on the worship of the female form of deity (devi) and is an important Hindu sect, particularly in Nepal and other parts of South Asia. Smartism centers around the worship of six major deities, including Brahma, Shiva, Devi, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses.
5. Belief in Hinduism
There is no definitive figure on how many people believe in Hinduism, but recent estimates suggest that 15-16% of the global population identifies as Hindu. The religion has a deep impact on its followers and their everyday lives, as evidenced by the various festivals and rituals practiced.
The intensity of belief varies from person to person. According to the Pew Research Center, only 12% of the world’s Hindu population identify as ‘highly religious.’ This means that a majority of Hindus are not as devoutly religious, focusing instead on the traditional and cultural aspects of Hinduism.
6. Attitudes towards Hinduism
Attitudes towards Hinduism vary drastically among different people. While some may see Hinduism as an ancient, integral part of their cultural heritage and embrace its values, others may not accept it as a religion due to differences in personal beliefs and ideologies.
In western countries, Hinduism is often viewed as a deviant practice and exotic form of spirituality, however, this is slowly changing as more Hindus immigrate and share their culture with the rest of the world.
Although the overwhelming majority of people in India practice Hinduism, the religion is often misinterpreted by the Western media, resulting in a lack of understanding and the spread of misinformation. For example, a common misconception is that Hinduism is polytheistic, when in reality, many Hindus believe in a single, unifying deity.
7. Global Exposure
Hinduism has an immense global reach, with Hindus living in many countries. Not only does Hinduism have a significant presence among the diaspora in various countries, but it also has come to be widely accepted in the larger global community.
In recent times, Hinduism has experienced a surge of popularity, with some non-Hindu groups embracing Hinduism’s gods and goddesses and rituals. The practices of yoga and meditation, which are steeped in Hindu tradition, have gained mainstream acceptance in the West, helping to make Hindu philosophy more accessible.
8. Social Media
Hinduism is also being spread through social media with its followers increasingly using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share their beliefs, network with other Hindus, and engage in discussions about their faith.
This trend has led to the emergence of Hindu-focused tech companies like the popular app ‘Om Finder’, which provide a variety of Hindu-related services, from connecting users with local temples to offering audio clips of Hindu chants. Such companies have been integral in making Hinduism more visible, providing users with easy access to Hindu news and spiritual content.
9. Hinduism and Global Politics
Hinduism’s expanding global presence has had an impact on global politics, leaving an imprint on the international stage. Hinduism’s influence can be observed in India’s foreign policy, where such values as non-violence, tolerance, and cooperation are often sought to be promoted.
Hinduism has also been seen to have a more positive presence beyond its diaspora, with countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom strengthen ties with India due to the country’s Hindu-majority population. Additionally, it has been used as a soft power tool to strengthen international relations and build bridges between India and other countries.
10. Conclusion
Hinduism is one of the world’s most widespread and influential religions, with an estimated 1.2 billion Hindus accounting for 15-16% of the world population. Its influence has spread to almost every corner of the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where Hindu adherents form a significant percentage of the population.
In India particularly, Hinduism is the religion of choice for the majority of its inhabitants. Today, Hinduism is experiencing a revival, both through its diaspora abroad and its presence on global tech platforms. India’s Hindu identity is shaping foreign policy decisions globally, with the country’s government continually leveraging Hinduism’s core values to strengthen international ties. The future of Hinduism looks promising as it continues to draw adherents and bridge geographical boundaries.
