| India is a country rich in its own traditions, values and | | | | Jainism is the third ancient religion in India. It recognizes |
| religions. There, religious festivals play an important role | | | | the fundamental belief of mutual dependence. |
| in binding its people in both their personal and public | | | | Sikh, a relatively new religion in India, which was |
| aspects, creating a country of profound culture and | | | | founded over 500 years ago, has over 20 million |
| distinctiveness. | | | | followers and is ranked the 5th largest religion in the |
| Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are the three ancient | | | | world. |
| religions which were originated in India. | | | | In fact, there has been always new religions trying to |
| Hinduism is the most dominant religion with around 80% | | | | establish in India but they did not always succeed. For |
| of the population Hindus, whereas 0.8% of the | | | | example, Lingayat of south India consider themselves |
| population is Buddhists and only 0.4% of the population | | | | as a different religion but others take them as just a |
| Jains. On the contrary, 2% of the population takes up a | | | | sect of Hinduism. Similarly, some Hindu reformers tried |
| rather new religion Sikhism. | | | | to re-adjust Hinduism so as to make it more adaptable |
| Hinduism is a religions which dates back to 5000 years | | | | to the modern period. |
| or more. It is a colorful religion with a vast amount of | | | | Of course there are also followers of non-India |
| Gods and Goddesses and it is rich in its beliefs and | | | | religions such as Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism. |
| ideas. And some people believe that it is more than a | | | | These people made up 12% of the population with 2% |
| religion in the western sense. | | | | of them Christians. |
| Buddhism has a history of 2500 years, which takes its | | | | The above only covers the very surface of the |
| name after a special individual known as 'the Buddha'. It | | | | diversity of religious system in India. And if you want to |
| is a religion practised by many people in many | | | | explore India, I am sure that understanding to its |
| countries around the world. It is also very popular in | | | | religions and beliefs is a definite starting point. |
| western countries like in Europe and USA. | | | | |