In India, religion is a way of
life. It is an integral part of the entire Indian tradition. For the
majority of Indians, religion permeates every aspect of life, from
common-place daily chores to education and politics. Secular India
is home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism
and other innumerable religious traditions. Hinduism is the dominant
faith, practiced by over 80% of the population. Besides Hindus,
Muslims are the most prominent religious group and are an integral
part of Indian society. In fact India has the second largest
population of Muslims in the world after Indonesia. In Kerala,
Hindus make up 60% of the population with Christians and Muslims
contributing equally to the remaining 40%. There are also a small
number of Jews and Jains
Common practices have crept
into most religious faiths in India and many of the festivals that
mark each year with music, dance and feasting are shared by all
communities. Each has its own pilgrimage sites, heroes, legends and
even culinary specialties, mingling in a unique diversity that is
the very pulse of society.
