Introduction
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest major religions, having its roots in India thousands of years ago. Whether it is growing as a religion today is an interesting question and one that many people have different views on. In this article, we’ll explore some of the relevant data and perspectives from experts, as well as add our own insights and analysis. We’ll also take a look at how Hinduism is growing in a number of different ways, from the number of adherents to how popular the religion is outside India.
Relevant Data
According to a 2019 report from the Pew Research Centre, Hinduism is the world’s third-largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. The report states that Hinduism has about 1.15 billion adherents worldwide, with 90% of them living in India. In terms of growth, the report also states that the Hindu population is expected to grow by 34%, more than twice the rate of Muslims and more than three times that of Christians by 2060.
Perspectives From Experts
Editor at The Guardian, Sunita Viswanath, believes that while Hinduism is growing worldwide, it’s often misunderstood by those outside the religion. She also points out that it is much more than just a religion; it’s also a set of beliefs and a way of life, with myriad interpretations of scriptures, symbols and rituals that are unique to specific regions and social classes.
Meanwhile, professor at Columbia University’s Department of Religion, Catherine Waldby, argues that Hinduism is growing outside of India, too. She states that there is a trend of ‘global Hinduism’, with many Indians migrating to different countries and taking their religious beliefs with them.
Insights And Analysis
While it is true that Hinduism is growing both in India and outside, we need to be careful about how we interpret this growth. We must remember that Hinduism is much more than just a religion; it also has cultural, social and philosophical aspects that make it unique.
We must also understand that Hinduism has evolved over time and although it is growing, it is also changing and adapting to different cultures and contexts. This means that what constitutes Hinduism in India might look very different to Hinduism in the West, with believers interpreting and reworking teachings in different ways.
Adherents
Research shows that the majority of Hindus still live in India, where the religion originated and where certain rituals and practices are deeply embedded in culture. Many Hindu sects and subsects can be found in India, as well as a variety of spiritual traditions that exist side-by-side.
Outside of India, there are a growing number of Hindus, with many different types of practice and interpretation. In countries such as the United States, for example, Hinduism is very different from the Hinduism found in India and often encompasses aspects from other religions and beliefs, such as Buddhism and New Age spirituality.
Popularity
Hinduism is becoming increasingly popular in the West, with many celebrities and influential people practising the religion. In the United States alone, the number of Hindus has grown from 0.4% of the population in 1990 to 1.2% in 2020.
Despite this growth, however, Hinduism still has not been widely accepted in mainstream society and is often misunderstood. There is still a tendency to view Hinduism as ‘exotic’ or ‘foreign’, despite it being one of the world’s oldest major religions.
Growth Rates
There is no denying that Hinduism is growing, both in India and around the world. But what’s even more interesting is the fact that the religion is growing at different rates in different parts of the world.
In India, Hinduism is growing faster than other religions, with nearly nine in ten Indians identifying as Hindu. The growth of Hinduism in India is partly attributed to the country’s population growth and urbanisation. In the developed parts of the world, however, Hinduism is growing much slower, with most of the growth coming from migration and births within the Hindu community.
Political Factors
Hinduism’s growth is also affected by political factors. For example, in India, Hindu nationalists have been pushing for policies promoting a Hindu-majority state. This has caused tensions between India and its neighbours, as well as a growth in anti-Hindu sentiment in some parts of the world.
On the other hand, Hinduism has been growing in the West due to the emergence of diaspora communities. Diaspora Hindus often identify closely with their religion, and many second and third-generation Hindus in the West are actively engaged in practicing their faith.
Education
Sadly, Hinduism is still not widely taught and practiced in schools and universities in the West. This means that many non-Hindus may not understand and appreciate the importance of the religion and its numerous teachings and principles.
It is therefore essential that educational institutions begin to incorporate Hinduism into their curriculum and make it a core part of study. This will not only help to demystify the religion and increase understanding, but also help to ensure the growth and sustainability of Hinduism in the West.
Media And Entertainment
The media and entertainment industry can also play an important role in the growth of Hinduism. As the entertainment industry continues to grow, so too does its influence, and the way in which Hinduism is portrayed in films and television shows can affect the public perception of the religion.
The key is to portray Hinduism and Hindus in a positive and accurate way, and this can be done by understanding the perspectives of Hindus and other experts in the religion, engaging with Hindu leaders and organisations, and creating informed and balanced content.
Technology
Finally, technology is increasingly playing a vital role in the growth of Hinduism. Technology has opened up new ways to connect believers from around the world, making it easier than ever to connect to places of worship, people of different faiths, and resources and educators. In essence, technology has enabled Hindus to access and learn more about their religion than ever before.
Moreover, with the rise of social media, Hindus now have the ability to share their beliefs, stories and experiences with a larger audience. This has been an invaluable tool for increasing awareness and understanding of Hinduism, as well as connecting Hindus from all over the world.
