What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is a major world religion, with over one billion adherents worldwide. Native to India, the religion is closely tied to the culture, language, and history of the country. Among its core beliefs are the notion of Dharma, or living in accordance with cosmic order, karma, or the consequences of one’s action, and the idea of reincarnation. The religion offers a range of philosophical, mystical, and spiritual perspectives on the nature of reality and of the divine, as well as a large pantheon of gods and goddesses.
How Many People Practice Hinduism in the US?
According to the most recent US Census data, there are over 1.5 million Hindus in the United States. This accounts for around 0.5% of the total US population. This number is expected to grow, as immigrants from India continue to arrive in the United States, and existing Hindu communities continue to expand.
Hindus are well represented in many of the major cities in the United States, including the greater New York City area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and San Jose. Additionally, many small towns across the United States have nascent Hindu communities, with Hindu temples and cultural centers established in these areas.
Experts predict that the Asian American Hindu population may reach as high as 3 million within the next few years. This increase in population is due in part to the continued arrival of Indian immigrants, as well as the expansion of existing Hindu communities in the United States.
Hinduism in the United States Today
Today, many Hindus in the US are finding new ways to observe and celebrate the core beliefs of their faith. Hindu temples and cultural centers have been established in many parts of the country, and Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Holi are now celebrated widely. Additionally, a number of organizations have been set up to facilitate the development of Hindu communities in the US.
A notable feature of Hinduism in the US today is the way in which it has adapted and blended with other religions and cultures. Hindu-influenced deities and philosophy can be found in the practices and ceremonies of many so-called “New Age” spiritual movements, and Hindu ideas can be seen in the practices of many other religions.
Additionally, Hinduism is increasingly accepted by mainstream American culture. In recent years, the Diwali festival of lights has become a widely-celebrated holiday in the United States, and many American books, films, and television shows feature Hindu characters, rituals, and beliefs.
Challenges Faced by Hindus in the US
Despite the increasing visibility and acceptance of Hinduism in the United States, many Hindus still struggle to find ways to express and celebrate their faith in their everyday lives. Many Hindus have difficulty finding Hindu temples, or feel uncomfortable attending existing Hindu religious services or events.
The Hindu community in the United States is also divided along class, caste, and language lines, making it difficult for Hindu Americans of all backgrounds to connect with each other. Additionally, Hindus in the US may experience discrimination in the workplace, and in their day to day lives.
To combat these challenges, many Hindu American organizations have been established to promote Hindu values and to advocate for the rights and interests of Hindu Americans, both in the US and overseas. These organizations also provide support and resources to Hindus in the US who are looking to express and celebrate their faith in new and meaningful ways.
Hinduism in the US in the Future
Despite the challenges that Hindu Americans face, the Hindu population in the United States is predicted to continue to grow. As Hinduism continues to gain acceptance and visibility in the US, more Hindus will begin to express and celebrate their faith openly, and become more connected with the larger Hindu community.
This growth is likely to be aided by the continued flow of Indian immigrants to the United States, as well as the expansion of existing Hindu American organizations. Additionally, many Hindus in the US are actively working to create more inclusive communities and to combat the challenges that face Hindu Americans today.
Conclusion of Hinduism in the US
Overall, Hinduism is a growing force in the United States. As more Hindus come to the US, and existing Hindu communities expand, Hindus will continue to play an important role in American culture and society. With the support of Hindu American organizations, and individuals actively working to create more inclusive communities, Hinduism will go from strength to strength in the US.
