With the origins of Hinduism and Buddhism in India, religion is

considered to be extremely important.  Of the two religions, Hinduism is

infinitely more popular, with an incredible 82 percent of the population
practicing it.  Within this majority, there are significant differences in
the belief systems and caste divisions.  Although there is division in
some areas of Hinduism, there are many areas in common.   They will
all go to the pilgrimage sites, coming from all over India and will- if
they go to a Brahman priest for birth, marriage and/or death rituals- hear
the same Sanskrit verses from hundreds of years ago.

In the shadow of Hindu dominance, there are a few followers of other

beliefs such as Christianity, Sikh and Buddhism.  

 Hinduism  Islam
 Sikhism  Christianity
 Buddhism  Jainism
 Zoroastrianism
 

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.

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.