Religion in India:
India,  the land of spirituality and philosophy considers religion as an integral part of its entire tradition. The  worship of various religions and its rituals play a significant role in every aspect of human life in the country.  The biggest religion in India in terms of population is Hinduism. Majority of the population accounting to 80%, is Hindu. Next biggest is Islam with 13% of the total population following. Other religions are Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and Judaism. So many religions residing in harmony inside one country truly personifies the phrase 'Unity In Diversity'. Many of these religions have their origin place in India itself which makes India all the more important in context of entire religion.

India is the birthplace of two great religions of the world, namely, Hinduism and Buddhism. It is also the birthplace of one of the oldest religions of the world, Zoroastrianism, and home to an ancient religion, Jainism. Sikhism is another very recognizable religion which began here bringing together the best aspects of Hinduism and Islam. Followers of religions originated in other countries such as Islam, Christianity, Bahaism and Judaism also form a part of the population of secular nation, India. 

Hinduism is the dominant faith. According to 2001 Census, 80.5% of the population of the country are designated 'Hindu'. It is one of the ancient religions in the world, which began about 6000 years ago. Besides Hindus, Muslims are the most prominent religious group and are an integral part of Indian society. There are approximately13.4% Muslims (over 100 million), 2.3% Christians (over 20 million), 1.9 % Sikhs (18 million) and others including Buddhists (6 million), Jains, Parsis (Zoroastrians), Jews, and Bahais, less than 2 percent. 

Hindus and Muslims are spread throughout the country. Muslims are found mostly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. They represent a majority in Jammu and Kashmir and Lakshadweep. Christian concentrations are found in the northeastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya and the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. Sikhs are a majority in the state of Punjab whereas Buddhists are found in large numbers in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Bengal and Sikkim. Though a tiny minority, Jains are found all over India. Majority of Jains live in the states of  Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Gujarat.

Hinduism:
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. It is believed that Modern day Hinduism is originated out of Rigveda, which is believed to be written around 1700-1100 BC. This also makes it the oldest religious scriptures in the world. This ever changing religion, based on a firm foundation of Karma (deeds) makes it one of the most sagacious and vibrant of religions. Several spiritual teachers have put down in words their thoughts about the concepts and their perception of spiritual life based on these concepts. These serve as guiding lights for several generations of the future.

Islam:
Islam is another vibrant and highly sacred religion that is followed by most number of People after Christianity. This second largest religion is more prevalent in Middle East Asia and North Africa. Prophet Muhammad is considered to be the final prophet of God to whom God sent Quran through Angel Gabriel. The followers of Islam religion are called Muslims. Muslims belong to either of the two groups, Shias or Sunnis.

Sikhism:
Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world which was founded by First Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This religion further developed under the successive nine Gurus on whose teachings Sikhism is based. The teachings of Guru Nanak were incorporated in the 'Guru Granth Sahib', the Holy Book of the Sikhs which became a symbol of God for Sikhs. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjun built the Golden Temple at Amritsar which became the holiest of Sikh shrines. The tenth Guru, Govind Singh imparted military training to the Sikhs to help them defend themselves.

Christianity:
It is said that Christianity is the most modern of all the religions and most western influences are ascribed to this unique religion. Christianity came to India with Saint Thomas who was one of the apostles sent by Lord Jesus Christ. It is believed that he spend most of his time in South India and died there itself. However there are other versions too prevalent. There are many schools and hospitals in different parts of the country that are run by Christian Missionaries.

Buddhism:
Buddhism finds its origin in India in the serene town of Bodhgaya. It is said that it was here under the Bodhi Tree, Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Lord Buddha. He gave birth to a new religion called Buddhism which are his teachings and principles. Different rulers took up this religion and spread it to all regions of the world. Today it is followed by millions from around the world. One will find many similarities in Hinduism and Buddhism concepts like Karma and reincarnations.