Introduction
Hinduism is an ancient religion, one that has been practised in various forms since 2600 BC. It is the world’s third-largest religion, and is among the oldest organised belief systems. Hinduism is a diverse religion, with no single text or set of beliefs that everyone agrees on, and has a wide-ranging effect on all aspects of life. The Hindu faith is practised across the world, with over 1.2 billion adherents in India. India is home to the majority of Hindus and is considered the birthplace of the faith, but Hinduism does not stop there. There are large communities of Hindus living in other countries, showing the strength and diversity of Hinduism. In this article, we will look at where in the world Hinduism is most practised, and explore the various ways it is experienced in different regions.
India
India is by far the largest country when it comes to Hinduism. In fact, around 80 percent of the world’s total Hindu population is found in India. India also has a very long history of practicing Hinduism, with some even suggesting that Hinduism is native to India. Even today, India is considered to be the spiritual heartland of Hinduism, with the majority of Hindu festivals and rituals taking place there. India is also the hub of Gurukuls, temples, and many great saints, who play an important role in furthering the spiritual practice and knowledge of Hinduism.
Indonesia and Nepal
Another country where Hinduism is extensively practiced is Indonesia. Hinduism has been present in Indonesia for over 2000 years and has a wide impact on its culture. Around 8 percent of Indonesians practice Hinduism, making it the second-largest religion in the country. Nepal is the only officially Hindu state in the world, though is not considered to be the birthplace of Hinduism. Despite this, Hinduism does hold an important place in Nebalese society, with Hindu rituals being observed and observed every day, and many important Hindu festivals also being celebrated there.
Suriname, Fiji and Bali
In South America, Hinduism is mainly practised in Suriname, where around 15 percent of the population consider themselves Hindu. Fiji is another important destination for Hinduism, with around 27 percent of the population identifying themselves as Hindu. Similarly, the people in Bali are known for their deep-rooted Hindu traditions, with almost all of them considering themselves to be Hindus.
The West
Hinduism is also found in many countries in the West. The largest Hindu diaspora is in the United States, and it is estimated that there are close to three million Hindus living there. Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom also have huge Hindu populations, with each having over 200,000 Hindu adherents.
Evolution
Hinduism is constantly evolving, with new interpretations and practices emerging with each generation. Hinduism is particularly adaptable and open to diversity, as it does not have any central text. It also does not have any single set of beliefs, ensuring that each individual adherent has the freedom to follow their own interpretation of the faith. This makes Hinduism a very adaptable and attractive faith, allowing it to spread to different countries and cultures around the globe.
South East Asia
The countries in South East Asia are also home to a significant Hindu population. Singapore has more than one million Hindus, making it the sixth-largest Hindu population in the world. Malaysia and Thailand also have sizeable Hindu populations, with Malaysia having around 2.6 million Hindu adherents and Thailand having more than a million.
Cultural Impact
Hinduism is one of the oldest organised belief systems in the world, with its presence spanning thousands of years. Its impact is found in many aspects of regional cultures, from religious observances and festivals to wedding ceremonies and rituals. Hindu beliefs and values have been adopted by some as an integral part of their everyday lives, making Hinduism an important factor when it comes to culture.
Conclusion
Hinduism is a diverse and widespread religion, with its presence felt in many countries and cultures around the world. India remains the spiritual heartland of Hinduism and the birthplace of many of its traditions, though its presence can be felt in many different countries and regions. Hinduism is evolving, adapting to different cultures, and spreading its influence to new places. As such, it is an important and influential faith, impacting all aspects of life.
