1. General Overview
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest, most widespread and most influential religions, having over a billion followers worldwide and a presence in many countries across the globe. In recent years, Hinduism has gained increased support and awareness due to increased migration and globalization, as well as its integration into local customs, culture and thought. This article will discuss where the majority of Hinduism followers reside and what factors influence this.
Hinduism is based around a vast and diverse set of beliefs, with the vast majority of India and the Indian subcontinent adhering to its doctrines. Approximately 82% of India’s population identify as Hindu, making it by far the largest country of Hindu adherents. Other countries with high percentages of Hindus include Nepal (81%), Bangladesh (84%), Sri Lanka (60%), Indonesia (27%), Malaysia (12%) and Mauritius (58%). In total, almost 94% of the world’s Hindu population reside in India.
2. Sociological Aspects
Many scholars agree that Hinduism has a strong social aspect associated with it. For example, many of its beliefs and customs are intertwined with traditional family systems, marriage customs and celebrations, as well as its level of focus on education and self-improvement. This firmly embedded social aspect has made it much easier for Hinduism to persist in certain countries, where traditional cultures are respected and celebrated. This can certainly be seen in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, whose cultures and societies have centuries of history and associate Hinduism with much of their heritage.
Moreover, Indian diaspora communities have also helped to increase the visibility and spread of Hinduism, with Indian expats in countries from Europe to the Caribbean having considerable amounts of followers. For example, large numbers of Hindus have migrated to countries like the UK, USA, UK, Kuwait, Singapore, the UAE and other parts of the world. This has ensured that Hinduism is well-represented across the globe, storing an intense devotional presence in many countries.
3. Cultural Relevance
Hinduism has had a great influence on South and South-East Asian cultures and traditions, in large part due to its sheer popularity throughout the region. From the architecture of major monuments to the rituals of the festivals, Hinduism and its key figures are ubiquitous across the subcontinent. For example, the influence of Hinduism can be seen in the traditional and colorful clothing that is worn in many countries, as well as the practice of daily prayer and puja (ritualistic worship).
In addition, many Hindu festivals are celebrated across many countries which have a large Hindu population, such as Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors), and Chaturthi (the celebration of the birth of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god). These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in India and Nepal. Such festivals have become part of many countries in the region, with many non-Hindus also taking part in these events.
4. Economic Factors
The economic factors associated with Hinduism are also important in determining where Hinduism followers are located. A key example of this is India, which has seen a large influx of followers since its economic liberalization in 1991. This has resulted in vociferous support for Hinduism from various industries, from film and television to fashion and retail. These industries are interconnected, helping to increase the visibility and presence of Hinduism throughout the country.
Moreover, the export of religious books and artifacts relating to Hinduism has grown substantially, thus driving the spread of Hinduism across the region. Many countries in the South Pacific, East Asia and the Caribbean are highly receptive to Hinduism due to these economic trends.
5. Political Landscape
The relative level of political openness in a country also influences the presence of Hinduism, as certain countries are more welcoming to the culture and its followers. Some countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have a more open attitude to Hinduism and promote the religion in various public spaces, from temples to festivals. This has certainly helped Hinduism to remain strong in the region, especially in India which has enshrined Hinduism in its constitution.
Other countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, have been more cautious in their approach, with certain elements of the religion being banned or frowned upon, such as religious rituals or ceremonies that are deemed to be against their official state religion. Such countries are much less likely to have a strong presence of Hinduism, although the presence of the diaspora may still bear results.
6. Technology and Media
In the digital age, technology and media have played a huge role in the spread of Hinduism. For example, the rise of the internet and knowledge-sharing websites has allowed for the easier exchange and transmission of Hindu beliefs and stories, further contributing to its spread. Sites such as Wikipedia, Reddit and YouTube have become focal points for Hinduism adherents, with many actively engaging in discussion, debate and sharing of religious stories and teachings.
Moreover, the growth of the Indian film industry and the rise of Bollywood has also helped to promote Hindu beliefs and deities to a global audience, with Hinduism-inspired films being shown in countries all over the world. Additionally, Indian television channels now have global reach, further spreading Hinduism as traditional music, stories and practices are shared in living rooms across the world.
7. Social Media Presence
Social media such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have been key in the spread of Hinduism, helping to bridge the gap between followers and the religion, as well as sharing core ideas, beliefs and practices with ease. Many Hindu religious leaders are now active on social media sites, thus ensuring that Hinduism has a direct line to millions of people.
Furthermore, the idea of karma (action and its effects) is also now being shared very easily, which is an important tenet of the religion. Consequently, people from all over the world can be drawn to the idea of karma, and its message of responsibility, accountability and positive thinking, even if they do not necessarily become dedicated followers of Hinduism.
8. Pop Culture
Pop culture has also had an impact on the spread of Hinduism, with various celebrities and public figures in India and beyond embracing its teachings. From major sports players to Hollywood actors, many luminaries have made their Hindu beliefs known to the mass audience, thus further encouraging its growth. Furthermore, the practice of yoga, a cornerstone of Hinduism, is now hugely popular all over the world, with even small towns in western countries having yoga studios.
Such growth in popularity encourages more people to consider Hinduism as a philosophical and spiritual approach to life, inhibiting its reach far beyond its traditional borders. Moreover, the recent resurgence of vegetarianism and veganism in the West can also be partially attributed to Hinduism, as the religion has been a long-time advocate of such practices.
9. Changing Attitudes
The changing attitudes of the younger generations towards religion is also helping Hinduism to grow, with millennials and Generation Z being much more open to the idea of faith than the baby boomer generation. This is because young people are more likely to be exposed to various cultures and concepts online, with Hinduism being closely linked to the Indian diaspora, especially those from the IT sector. This changing attitude amongst the younger generations is helping to create a more vibrant Hindu community, which is increasingly represented in the media.
Furthermore, the rise of Hindu nationalist leaders in India is also helping to support and promote Hinduism, furthering its influence as an ancient and ubiquitous religious ideology. The impact of these leaders, as well as the success of recent Indian films which focus on Hinduism-inspired stories, is helping to build on the foundation of Hinduism and its reach.
10. Contemporary Developments
One of the most interesting developments in recent times is the crossover of Hinduism into western cultures, with people from all walks of life being intrigued and excited by its ancient customs and stories. The practice of yoga obviously plays a major part in this crossover, as does the online streaming of religious ceremonies and Hindu lifestyle bloggers. The growth of Hindu-themed festivals in western cities has helped to spread the religion even further.
Moreover, the traditional approach to Hinduism is also different for many westerners, as an escape from the modern stresses and pressures of city life. This has meant that many people are drawn to the other-worldliness of the religion and its devout followers, giving them the chance to explore alternative ideas and concepts. As such, Hinduism has experienced somewhat of a resurgence in many countries, especially those in the West.
11. Impact on Other Religions
Finally, the growth of Hinduism has had an impact on many other religions, including Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism. This is especially true in India, which is a country of profound religious diversity, with many faiths being heavily intertwined. This can be seen in Bangladeshi and Pakistani cities, where Hindus and Muslims share similar festivals and mannerisms, with Hinduism playing a key role in their close-knit communities.
Moreover, as Hinduism has continued to grow, some countries have embraced it wholeheartedly, thus allowing it to motivate and shape their own traditional practices, systems and ideas. This can be seen in countries such as Mauritius, South Africa and Trinidad, which have sizeable Hindu populations, with many customs such as fasting, pilgrimage and music being now commonplace even amongst those of other faiths.
12. Conclusion
In conclusion, Hinduism can be seen as a global religion, with many countries around the world having sizeable populations of followers. India is by far the largest country of Hindu adherents, with other countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also having over 50% of the population identifying as Hindu. Other factors such as the spread of diaspora, economic factors, technology and media, and changing social attitudes are also helping to maintain and spread its presence. Moreover, Hinduism is having a major impact on other religions, with many countries in Asia and the Caribbean embracing its cultural elements and rituals.
