Religions In India

India is known for its diverse religions which form an integral part of the Indian culture and tradition. Religion is held as a way of life in India. Religions in India dominate every aspect of the day to day life of the people. The force of religion is felt everywhere, from education to politics in the country. Major religions which are practiced in the secular land of India are:

1. Hinduism
2. Islam
3. Christianity
4. Buddhism
5. Jainism
6. Sikhism

Hinduism:

Hinduism is the dominant religion of India. About 80 percent of the total population of the country follows Hinduism which figures among one of the ancient religions of the world. India is the birth-place of Hinduism and it is believed that the religion came into existence some 6000 years back.

It is generally believed that Hinduism is a way of life and it exhorts its believers to follow and realize the 4 Purusharthas (values of life). These tenets are as follows:

1. Dharma or Righteousness
2. Artha or Wealth
3. Kama or Desire
4. Moksha or Liberation

Islam:

Islam is the second largest religion of India. The followers of this faith are known as Muslims. There are approximately 100 million Muslims in India and they form about 13.4% of the total population of the country. India is the second largest concentration of the followers of Islam after Indonesia.

Islam in India was introduced in the 8th century by the Arab traders and invaders. The message of peace and tolerance for which Islam is known has contributed largely to wide level of conversion to this religion in India. The followers of Islam in India celebrate many festivals which include:

1. Eid-ul-fitr
2. Eid-ul-azha
3. Muharram
4. Shabe-barat

Christianity:

Christianity is the third largest religion of India. The population of Christians constitutes 2.3% of the total population of the country. It is believed that Christianity came in India with the advent of Saint Thomas who was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The Christians are important part of the Indian society. Major Christian festivals celebrated in India include:

Buddhism:

Buddhism figures among one of the major religions of India. Buddhists in India form an important part of the Indian culture and society. The total population of Buddhist in the country stands around 6 million. India is the birth place of Buddhism and it was founded by Gautam Buddha. After its origin as an offshoot of Hinduism, Buddhism spread rapidly in other Asian countries like Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Burma and Thailand.

Jainism:

Among all the Indian religions, Jainism holds important place. The religions originated in India almost in the same period as Buddhism. This religion focuses on the purification of soul through:

1. Right conduct
2. Right faith
3. Right knowledge

The followers of Jainism believe in non-violence in the strictest form. This has led them to cover their mouth and nose with a cloth or mask so that no germ or insect may enter while breathing in.

Sikhism:

Sikhism is one of the major religions in India. The religion originated from Punjab in the 16th century and soon it created a large number of followers all over the region. Though Punjab has the largest concentration of Sikhs in India, other states of the country also have their considerable number of population. Guru Nanak was the founder of the religion. The sacred book of Sikhism is known as Guru Garanth Saheb.