India
India is the birthplace of Hinduism, and it remains the religion’s spiritual and demographic center. According to the 2011 census, over 80 percent of India’s population of 1.2 billion identifies as Hindu. This number is increasing steadily due to India’s large population and its majority Hindu population; India is projected to become the most populous country in the world by 2024.
The majority of Hinduism adherents practice a diverse range of religious beliefs, traditions and practices. These include the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, rituals, pilgrimages, offerings of food and flowers, fasting, and simple acts of devotion to a personal deity. The majority of Hindus also subscribe to the concept of karma, which is the idea that the actions of their present life will determine their future lives.
Hinduism is also an ancient religion that has existed for thousands of years in India and around the world. Ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas, the Upanishads and other sacred texts are foundational to the Hindu faith. These texts provide Hindus with guidance on living life and achieving moksha, the ultimate spiritual freedom.
In India, the majority of Hinduism followers live in rural areas. These are typically the areas that have traditionally been home to the religion for many centuries. This is often where the majority of the population practices their faith, and it is likely that this area has the highest concentration of adherents. Rural areas also often have more access to spiritual and religious shakti, or power, that is associated with the faith.
Nepal
Nepal is a country in South Asia located just south of India. Hinduism is the official religion of Nepal and is woven deeply into their culture. While there are different sects of Hinduism, Hinduism is a major part of lives of Nepalese. According to the 2011 census, over 81.3 percent of the population of Nepal identify as Hindu.
Hinduism plays a major role in the affairs of Nepal and its people. The majority of Nepalese practice a diverse range of religious beliefs, traditions and practices. These include the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, ceremonial rituals, pilgrimages and offerings of food and flowers. Nepal’s temples and shrines are held in high reverence; the Bhaktapur Durbar Square located in the former ruling family of Nepal is an example of a beautiful and ancient Hindu temple complex.
Apart from temples and shrines, the Hindu festival of Dashain is celebrated throughout the capital city of Kathmandu and other parts of the country. Additionally, prayers are offered to the Hindu goddess, Durga, to bring prosperity and good luck.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a large country located in Southeast Asia that is home to many different cultures, religions and languages. Hinduism is one of the religions that is practiced in Malaysia and is estimated to have over two million adherents.
Hinduism has existed in Malaysia since the British colonial period, when Indian traders, individuals and immigrants first came to the country. This population steadily grew throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, leading to a significant and vibrant Hindu population throughout Malaysia.
Hinduism has been influenced by Malaysian and Southeast Asian culture and has evolved in a unique way. Many Hindu gods and goddesses are worshipped in a different form from what can be found in India, specifically the more popular gods and goddesses such as Vishnu, Shiva and Durga . Festivals and rituals continue to be celebrated in a distinct Malaysian way.
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the largest countries in the world and is home to many cultures and religions. Hinduism is one of these religions and is estimated to have over four million adherents.
The origins of Hinduism in Indonesia go back to the Proto-Malay period when sailors from India arrived in the archipelago and took with them their religion and culture. Hinduism in Indonesia grew and spread throughout the islands, eventually making its way to mainland Indonesia.
Today, Hinduism is still practiced in Indonesia, although it has been adapted to the local culture and have formed an amalgamated religion known as Kejawen or Javanism. This new form of Hinduism incorporates Kejawen spiritual practices, Hindu gods, and cultural beliefs and practices from Java.
Festivals and rituals are celebrated in Indonesia in a unique way. One of these festivals includes Galungan, which is a celebration of the ultimate victory of good over evil. During this festive time, Hindus will make offerings and prayers to their god, create beautiful penjors that are decorated with produce, and celebrate with grand feasts.
United States
Hinduism is one of the leading religions in the United States and has over two million adherents. Hinduism can be found in many parts of America including the East Coast, California, New Mexico and Texas.
Hinduism first came to the US with the migration of Indians from India to the US in the mid-19th century. This first wave of Hindu immigrants was mainly concentrated on the East Coast and in California, although Hindus have since spread to many parts of the US.
The majority of Hindus in the US practice the religion in the same way as Hindus in India. This includes the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, ceremonial rituals, pilgrimages and offerings of food and flowers. However, Hinduism in the US has also been influenced by American culture, resulting in a unique form of Hinduism that is distinctly American.
Apart from Hinduism temples, many Hindus in the US also celebrate Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Holi in a unique Anglophone way. Additionally, many Hindus in the US are also active in advocating for religious equality and understand Hinduism as a pluralistic faith, which is often in contrast to the more traditional view of the religion.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a country that is home to many religions, including Hinduism. Hinduism is estimated to have over 800,000 adherents in the United Kingdom, primarily located in England and Wales.
Hinduism first came to the UK with the migration of Indians from India to the UK (mainly England and Wales) in the late 19th century. This first wave of Hindu immigrants was mainly concentrated on the east coast and in London, although Hindus have since spread to many parts of the UK.
The majority of Hindus in the UK practice the religion in a similar way as Hindus in India. This includes the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, ceremonial rituals, pilgrimages and offerings of food and flowers. Hinduism in the UK has also been influenced by British culture, resulting in a unique form of Hinduism that is distinctly British.
Apart from Hinduism temples, many Hindus in the UK also celebrate Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Pongal in an Anglophone way. Additionally, many Hindus in the UK are also active in advocating for religious equality and understand Hinduism as a pluralistic faith that is often in contrast to the traditional view of the religion.
Guyana
Guyana is a small South American country with a population estimated at 786,552. Hinduism is one of the major religions in Guyana, with Hindus accounting for over 32 percent of the overall population.
Guyana has a rich and vibrant Hindu culture and many Hindus have been living in the country for many generations. The majority of Hindus in Guyana practice a diverse range of religious beliefs, traditions and practices. These include the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, ceremonial rituals, pilgrimages and offerings of food and flowers.
The main Hindu festival celebrated in Guyana is the Hindu festival of Diwali, the festival of lights. During Diwali, Hindus will dress in their finest traditional clothing, make offerings to their gods, and light diyas around the home to symbolize unity and the victory of good over evil. Additionally, Hindus in Guyana will also celebrate popular festivals such as Holi and Maha Shivaratri as well as lesser-known festivals, such as Karva Chauth.
Hinduism also plays an important role in the politics of Guyana. Many political leaders in the country are Hindu and are eager to promote and protect the rights of their Hindu citizens. As a result, Hinduism has flourished in Guyana and Hindus continue to practice and celebrate the religion in their own unique way.
