Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and one of the few that has flourishing adherents in today’s world. With a population estimated to be over 1.2 billion people as of 2016, Hinduism is one of the largest religions in the world. Yet, in terms of the total population, it only accounts for 15% of the world, with a majority of the adherents concentrated in India and Nepal, The Hindu religious practice has been around in different forms for around 5,000 years. It has always drawn believers in numbers, regardless of its geographic location.
The vast majority of the Hindu population today inhabits India and Nepal. India has over 94% of the world’s total Hindu population, with Nepal accounting for the remaining 6%. In nations such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Hindus account for a sizeable minority population ranging from 0.3% to 9%.
The history of Hinduism dates back to the Vedic times and its pantheon of gods and goddesses. Hindus consider their religion to be a path of self-realization that can bring inner peace and communion with the divine. Its core beliefs and principles revolve around the belief of one Supreme Being, a concept known as Brahman. Hindus believe that the path to moksha, or salvation, lies in following the three core paths of Yoga, Meditation, and Bhakti.
Though Hindus may practice their faith in different ways, there is a common thread that unites them: a belief in the Hindu sacred texts, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. These scriptures contain timeless truths that provide guidance and offer an understanding of the nature of the universe. They also articulate the code of conduct that Hindus are expected to observe. The Hindu faith also upholds an active reverence for the natural elements, such as the sun, water, and air, as well as its rich legacy of religious festivals, such as Diwali, Durga Puja, and Holi.
Hinduism is one of the most widespread religious systems in the world, and it is practiced by people from all walks of life. It is estimated that Hindus make up approximately 15% of the world’s population. This figure is likely to continue to grow in the coming years as more people embrace the philosophy of Hinduism and its teachings.
How Hinduism Is Practiced in India
Hinduism is widely practiced in India where it is estimated that around 80% of the population follows some form of the faith. Hinduism is deeply ingrained in the culture and traditions of the country, and it is one of the officially recognized religions in the Constitution. There is no central religious authority that regulates Hindu practices, and so its followers do not have a single set of beliefs or teachings.
Hinduism in India is more of a cultural phenomenon than a set of specific doctrines. Hinduism is typically characterized by the practice of temple worship, which is often centered on rituals such as visiting temples and making offerings. There is also a strong emphasis placed on personal devotion to various deities, holy figures, and living teachers or gurus.
Hindus in India practice many rituals that are rooted in their religious beliefs. These rituals can include daily prayer, offerings made during festivals, and the performance of ceremonies such as marriage, funerals, and other rites of passage. There are also certain practices that are seen as fundamental to the Hindu faith, such as puja (which marks the worship of a particular deity), as well as the practice of charity, meditation, and yoga.
How Hinduism Is Practiced Outside India
Hinduism can be found all over the world, including many countries in Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and even Africa. Hinduism is particularly prevalent in the countries with large Indian diaspora populations that include Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, Suriname, and Guyana.
Due to the movement of Indian people around the globe, there are strong Hindu communities with distinct practices that are outside of traditional Indian culture. For example, in countries like the United States, Hindu communities have built temples and shrines that cater to the specific needs of their non-Indian members.
Hinduism has evolved to be more inclusive, and many Hindus have embraced practices such as chanting mantras, doing yoga, and performing rituals that are not traditionally found in Indian Hinduism. However, there are certain core beliefs and practices that remain the same, such as the belief in Dharma and devotion to numerous Hindu deities.
Not everyone who practices Hinduism Identifies as a Hindu
Though 15% of the world’s population identifies as Hindu, not everyone who practices Hinduism identifies as such. Many individuals in countries around the world practice variations of Hinduism, such as Jainism, Sikhism and other offshoot religions, without officially identifying as Hindu. That being said, it is difficult to measure the exact percentage of Hindus in the world, since individuals often practice and identify with more than one religion.
Furthermore, in many cases individuals who practice Hinduism do not self-identify with the faith. This is largely due to the stigma that Hinduism often attracts, particularly in countries with strong religious majorities such as India and Pakistan, where members of the faith may not feel comfortable openly expressing their beliefs.
Conclusion of Hinduism Around the World
Hinduism has a long-standing history and is the world’s oldest surviving religion, with an estimated 1.2 billion adherents in 2020. Although it is estimated that 15% of the world’s population practices Hinduism, the real number of Hindus is likely higher due to the variation of the faith and its infiltration into many other countries outside India.
Those following the Hindu faith practice in many different ways, and although there are certain core beliefs and practices, Hinduism also has room for a lot of variation. In recent times, its teachings have also become more inclusive, and its practices more widespread, as more people around the world embrace its core beliefs.
