Collection: Hinduism

Many Hindus call their tradition sanatana dharma, an enduring web of customs, obligations, traditions and ideals that is wider than a system of beliefs. It has no single founder or central organization. Many Hindus believe in brahman, an ultimate reality, and its identity with the individual soul, or atman. They hold that all creatures pass through rebirth (samsara), which can be broken only by spiritual self-realization, after which liberation, or moksha, is attained. Karma shapes each being's place in that cycle. Vishnu and Shiva have the widest following, and others centre their devotion on the Goddess. Many Hindus also hold that truth cannot be captured in any creedal formulation.

More than nine in ten of the world's 1.2 billion Hindus (95%) live in India. Hindus are a majority in India and Nepal. Communities also exist elsewhere, and outside the Asia-Pacific region the United States has the most Hindus, at 3.0 million. Britannica notes that almost all Hindus devote time to rituals for prosperity or for removing troubles. Farmers, professionals and world renouncers all take part, in homes and temples and on pilgrimage.

Many Hindus worship through images. This worship, called puja, echoes the hospitality offered to an honored guest, and sharing food is central. Food offered to a deity and returned is called prasada, or grace. Festivals vary by region and tradition. Diwali, the festival of lights, is observed over five days. Holi, the festival of colours, marks spring. Navaratri is nine nights celebrating the feminine divine. At Ganesha Chaturthi, clay idols are installed and then immersed in water after ten days of worship.

Sources: Britannica: Hinduism, general nature · Britannica: Hinduism summary · Britannica: Practical Hinduism · Pew Research Center: Hindu population change, 2010-2020 · Hindu American Foundation: Hindu holidays guide