India is the origin of world's four prominent religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Religion has been a prominent part of Indian history. Its influences witnessed in ancient art, architecture, culture, traditions, customs and rituals. India being multi-faceted has established tolerance and harmony amongst her citizens by both law and custom. Hinduism accounts 80.5% of Indian population, followed by Islam (13.4%), Christianity (2.3%) and Sikhism (1.9%). This article throws light on.

Hinduism

With 900 million people practising this polytheistic religion, Hinduism has its roots embedded in the pre-historic times, i.e. 5000 years. Paintings, artifacts recovered from several excavation sites have affirmed the Hindu customs and rituals existing as Vedic religion of Indo-Aryan civilization.  

Rigveda dating back to 1700–1100 BC is the oldest surviving text of Hinduism, followed by Ramayana and Mahabharata epics written during the Puranic period stretching between 500–100 BC.

Hinduism believes in idol worship and preaches its philosophy and traditions under six branches - Samkhya, Nyaya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Vedanta and Mimamsa. However, a separate branch of followers exists who ignore gods and seek Realization of the Self through meditation (Yoga).

Both approaches are regarded equal, which leads them to Hindu principles of karma (works and action), dharma (knowledge), reincarnation (birth and re-birth) and moksha (liberation from bondage of reincarnation).

Hindu festivals celebrated round the year. Prominent occasions include Holi, Diwali, Dusshera, Raksha Bandhan and Rathyatra.

Buddhism

Prince Siddhartha Gautama laid the foundation of Buddhism in 563 BC. His teachings emphasis spiritual peace and renouncement by following the eightfold path that includes right beliefs, right speech, right livelihood, right aspirations, right conduct, right mindfulness, right attainment and right effort.

Followers of Buddhism do not worship idols or Gods instead practise the practical guidelines of the Eightfold Path. The sacred Buddhist texts identified as Tripitaka (Pali Canon) includes several doctrines (Mahayana sutras). Buddhism segregated into three sects - Mahayana, Najrayana and Theravada.

Buddhist festivals centred on Buddha and his doctrines hold spiritual significance as compared to other Indian festivals that have social value attached. Buddha Purnima, Hemis Gompa, Losar and Ullambana are the festivals celebrated to remind the followers of the righteous path they need to follow.

Jainism

Jainism with over 5,000,000 followers in India evolved in 6^th century BC as a protest against stringent practises and rituals of Hinduism. Mahavira, the 24^th saint (tirthankara) laid the foundation of Jainism that teaches asceticism and solicitude for attaining nirvana and liberating self from the vicious cycle of birth and re-birth. Followers of Jainism divided into two sects Digambaras (naked) and the Svetambaras (white-clothed).

Beautiful temples and cult images were built as Jainism rose to popularity. Establishment of asylums for diseased and decrepit animals became the distinctive form of Jain charity.

Mahavir Jayanti, Gyana Panchami, Paush dashami and Akshay Tritiya Tapa are prominent festivals.

Sikhism

Sikhism with 26 million followers is the fifth-largest monotheistic religion on the globe that evolved in 15^th century Punjab. The religious philosophy preaches salvation through faith, justice and personal meditation on God’s message. Guru Granth Sahib is their holy book and traditions and beliefs are interrelated with history, society and culture of Punjab.

Festivals centred on the lives of the Gurus and Sikh martyrs include Gurpurabs, Baisakhi, Bandi Chhor and Hola Mohall.

Christianity

Christianity with 30 million followers is the third-largest religion in India. Historians state Apostle Thomas introduced the religion in 52 AD, while visiting Muziris in Kerala. He established a Church that ran parallel with the Hindu belief and customs. The divinity of Jesus Christ and Holy Communion was communal with reincarnation, sharing of Prasad and karma.

Altars, pulpits, crosses, statues, bells and belfries form a prominent part of the Sacred Indian Christian art. Church architecture deeply influenced by the foreign influxes - Portuguese, Dutch, French and the English.

Islam

Islam, monotheistic religion based on the holy text Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, introduced in India in 7th century with the advent of Arab traders. It spread in India under Mughal Empire (1206–1526), aided by Sufi tradition.