Hinduism
About 80% of Indians are Hindus. Hinduism is a religion with various Gods and Goddesses.The basic belief is that a person's fate is determined according to his deeds. These deeds in Hinduism are called 'Karma'. A soul who does good Karma in this life will be awarded with a better life in the next incarnation. Souls who do bad Karma will be punished for their sins, if not in this incarnation then in the next incarnation and will continue to be born in this world again and again. The good souls will be liberated from the circle of rebirth and get redemption which is called 'Moksha' meaning freedom. Hindus normally cremate their dead ones, so that the soul of the dead would go to heaven, except in a few cases of Hindu saints, who are believed to have attained 'Moksha'.
Islam
The Muslims are about 12% of India's population. But their influence on the Indian society is much stronger. The main reason was that there were many Muslims rulers in different parts of India. Most of the Muslim rulers of India were invaders from the west.In general the Muslims of India like the Muslim world is divided into two main sects, Sunni and Shia.Different communities who adopted Islam in different ways have different community names.In the beginning of the 20th century, some reformist Muslims organizations evolved in India who wanted to adjust Islamic philosophy to the modern world.
Sikhism
About 2% of India's population are Sikhs. Even so, they, because of their unique appearance, sometimes stand for India. Traditionally, the men keep their hair long and do not shave their beard or moustache. They gather their head hair in a turban. Sikhism is comparatively a new religion in India. Sikhism emphasizes community service and helping the needy. One of the distinct features of Sikhism is the common kitchen called 'Langar'.In every Gurdwara there is a 'Langar'.Every Sikh is supposed to contribute in preparing the meals in the free kitchen. The meals are served to all and are eaten sitting on the floor and this is to emphasis the point that all are equals.
Christianity
About 2.5% of India’s population are Christians. Christianity arrived in India almost about the same period as it arrived in Europe, meaning about 2000 years ago.There are about 30 million Christians in India. The major centers of Christianity in India are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Manipur and Mizoram. There is also a big community of Christians in Mumbai. The main division of Christians in India is like in the Christian world, Protestants and Catholic. There are also different denomination among them, Syrian Church, Armenian Church, Anglican Church and others. Most of the India Christians were converted by the Portuguese. There is also an Anglo-Indian community in India.
Budhism
Buddhism evolved in India. There were periods in India's past when Buddhism was dominant in India. Today less then 1% of India's population is Buddhist. Buddhism has more followers in east of India.Buddhism was established in about 500 BC. There are two main doctrines in Buddhism, Mahayana and Hinayana. Mahayana Buddhist believe that the right path of a follower will lead to the redemption of all human beings. The Hinayana believe that each person is responsible for his own fate. Along with these doctrines there are other Buddhist beliefs like 'Zen Buddhism' from Japan and the 'Hindu Tantric Buddhism' from Tibet. |
India known as the land of spirituality and philosophy, was the birthplace of some religions, which exist even today. The most dominant religion in India today is Hinduism.Hinduism is a colorful religion with a vast gallery of Gods and Goddesses.One of the ancient religions in the world,it is supposed to have developed about 5000 years ago. Around 500 BC two other religions developed in India, namely, Buddhism and Jainism.