Basics of Indian religions - Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jain population ratio and etiquette for holidays and temple visits

The official population statistics by religion used by the Indian government are:Census of India 2011is the standard. The 2021 census has been postponed due to COVID-19 and schedule adjustments, so new official figures have not yet been announced, so at this point, most government and research institutions cite 2011 data. If you need accurate, up-to-date statistics, Statistics India (censusindia.gov.in) We recommend that you check the notice.

Where most expatriates resideDelhi NCR (Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida)is a Hindu-majority area with a relatively large Sikh population, and a strong Islamic cultural heritage centered around Old Delhi. Therefore, even in the same metropolitan area, the alley scenes and evening sounds (temple bells, azan, and gurdwara recitations) are quite different depending on the neighborhood.

Hinduism is not a religion with a single founder and scriptures, but rather a religion that was formed in the Indian subcontinent over thousands of years.The totality of religion, philosophy, and lifestyleClose to . Centering around the three gods of Brahma (creation), Vishnu (preservation), and Shiva (destruction), numerous gods such as Krishna, Rama, Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi, and Hanuman are worshiped together, and the gods and rituals worshiped vary depending on region, class, and family.

Practical points that expatriates should know

• cow is a sacred animalBecause of this strong perception, the slaughter and sale of beef is legally restricted in many states. It is safe to avoid beef-related materials in company dinners, gifts, images on the back of business cards, etc.
• many HindusVegetarian (Veg)A green dot (Veg) and a brown/red dot (Non-veg) mark are displayed on restaurants and packaged foods. For a partner dinner, it's okay to suggest a restaurant with vegetarian options first.
• For major events such as weddings, housewarming, and business openings,PujaThe worship ritual called is necessarily included. If you are invited, it is polite to take off your shoes and observe quietly.
• Large-scale worship services held near the river, such as Aarti on the Ganges River in Varanasi, are considered representative religious tourism destinations.

daily greeting“Namaste”Tao originally originated as a religious greeting meaning "The divinity in me greets the divinity in you." This movement of putting both hands in front of the chest (Anjali Mudra) is a basic etiquette used not only in Hinduism but also in Indian society as a whole, so it is good to learn it naturally.

Both Buddhism and Jainism originated in northeastern India around the 6th century BC.Śramaṇa (recluse) traditionIt is a religion derived from , and has in common that it raises questions about the class-centered early Brahmanical order. However, the direction and emphasis are different.

Buddhism

• Siddhārtha GautamaIt started from the teachings of and emphasizes the path to escape from suffering through the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Middle Path.
• Although the proportion of believers in India is low, it is a Buddhist templeBodh Gaya, Chojeon FalunjiSarnath, NirvanaKushinagarThese eight sacred sites are still actively operated as pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world.
• led the drafting of the Indian ConstitutionB. R. AmbedkarAs a result of the large-scale conversion movement he led in the mid-20th century, Maharashtra has a relatively high percentage of Buddhists.
• Although it is a familiar pilgrimage route for Korean Buddhists, most of these sacred sites are located quite far from Delhi, so domestic flights and travel by car must be planned together.

Jainism

• same timeMahaviraAs a religion established byNon-violence (ahimsa)and extreme non-possession and abstinence as core precepts.
• Although their followers are small, they have had great influence in the fields of commerce and industry, and are particularly concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• In dietVegan (lacto-vegetarian)Its characteristic feature is that many believers not only keep it, but also avoid root vegetables (onions, garlic, potatoes, etc.). When dining with a Jaina partner, you must check the menu in advance.
• Bringing leather products (belts, wallets, handbags) into the company is strictly prohibited. Before visiting famous Jain temples such as Ranakpur, Palitana, and Mount Abu, you must pack your belongings.

Sikhism in the late 15th centuryGuru NānakThis relatively young religion was founded with monotheistic beliefs, equality, honest work, and sharing as its core values. Although the number of believers is only about 1.7% of the total population, the birthplaceHaryana and Delhi NCR adjacent to Punjabhas a significant Sikh population, making it the religious community expatriates most often encounter.

5 Things You Can Know By Their Looks — 5K

• Kesh (uncut hair)— For menPagri (turban)Wrap it with .
• Kangha— A wooden comb to straighten your hair.
• Kara— Steel bracelet worn on wrist
• Kirpan— Symbolic Dagger
• Kachera— Underwear symbolizing neatness

Gurdwara and Langar

Sikh place of worshipGurdwaraAnyone can visit regardless of religion, race, or class, and the attached restaurant isLangarVegetarian meals are prepared daily by volunteers.Provided for freedo. deli'sGurdwara Bangla SahibIt is famous as a place where tens of thousands of visitors receive langar every day, and is considered a representative holy site along with Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple of Amritsar).

Minimum manners to follow when visiting

• Before enteringBe sure to take off your shoesWash your feet (a dedicated foot washing station is provided).
• Both men and women must cover their heads with cloth— Many places provide free bandanas (rangi) at the entrance.
• Bringing in cigarettes, alcohol, or meat is absolutely prohibited. In the temple,sit on the floorDo not assume any posture higher than the temple (Guru Granth Sahib).

India's Muslim population is approximately 200 million, making it the third largest in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan. The cityscape of Delhi NCR itself is characterized by Islamic architecture from the Mughal Empire (Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid) is greatly indebted to

Expatriate practical points

• 9th month of Islamic calendarRamadanDuring this period, fellow Muslims observe fasting (Saum) from sunrise to sunset. Consideration is needed for meeting and lunch locations.
• When Ramadan is overEid al-Fitr, about two months later, the sacrificial festivalEid al-Adha (Bakrid), and both days are often designated as public holidays.
• Islamic preceptsPork and alcohol are prohibitedno see. As it overlaps with the Hindu taboo on beef, it is naturally eaten in places where Muslim and Hindu colleagues gather together.Chicken, sheep, vegetarianThis narrows down to the main menu.
• When visiting a mosque (masjid)Clothing that completely covers shoulders and kneesThis is required, and women are usually required to wear a headscarf to enter.
• Worship time (Salah, 5 times a day), visitor entry is temporarily restricted, and it is polite to refrain from visiting for tourist purposes, especially during Friday matinee services.

The dates of public holidays in India change every year because each religion follows a different calendar (Hindu luni-solar calendar, Islamic calendar, etc.). The table below shows representative holidays and their approximate times, and the exact dates of the year are:Indian Government Office Calendar (india.gov.in)You must check the public holiday schedule announced by your company’s HR.

Points that are easy to miss in practice

• One week before and after DiwaliIn fact, the entire country is in holiday mode.It switches to . It is safe to complete office ordering, delivery, and administrative work at least two weeks in advance.
• Holi is a fun festival, butThe paint absorbs strongly into clothes and skin.Some contain harmful pigments, so wear clothes that can be discarded and be careful to protect your eyes, ears, and mouth.
• The noise of firecrackers on Diwali evening is quite loud.Families with pets and infantsIt is a good idea to prepare for soundproofing and soothing in advance. In relation to moving and housing preparations,Checklist for the first 30 days of settlementPlease also refer to:

If you pay a little attention to your mindset and attire before visiting a place of worship of any religion, you can avoid big mistakes. The table below lists essential manners for each religious facility frequently visited in Delhi and Gurgaon.

Basic principles common to all religious facilities

• right hand not leftReceive and hand over items. In Indian tradition, the left hand is considered unclean, and this applies to all scenes of religion, eating, and greetings.
• To statues, sacred relics, and priestsnot pointing towards the soles of the feetThis is the default. You should be especially careful about how you stretch your legs when sitting.
• During worship and ceremoniesLoud voice, phone call, flash photographyIf you are unsure about taking photos, it is safer to ask the guide first.
• Donations are not required, but may be used to run the facility.Sincerely, DanThere are many places where this is provided. It is natural to show sincerity, even if it is just a small amount.
• Gift etiquette for invitations, housewarming, and holiday visitsIndian Tips, Gifts, and Invitation MannersThis was covered in more detail in the section. To the extent that it overlaps with the dietary taboos of each religion,Indian food guideIf you also read it, you can greatly reduce mistakes.