Religions in India are characterized by a diversity of practices and faiths. The country is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Hinduism is often considered one of the oldest religions in the world. The origins of Hinduism may include elements from the beliefs of the Indus Civilization, which existed from 3300 to 1700 BCE, but no archaeological evidence can confirm this.

Hinduism's oldest text, the Rigveda, was composed during the Vedic period between 1700 and 1100 BC. The earliest versions of the epic poems of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were composed between 300 and 100 BCE. After 200, Hindu schools of thought were codified into Indian philosophy: Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva-Mimamsa and Vedanta.

It was with Mahâvîra that Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, experienced significant expansion. Jainism is close to Raja yoga in its morality or its yamas (the five moral vows are the same, the first of which is Ahimsâ, Non-violence).

india festivals

Festivals in India (Hinduism, Sikh, Jain, Naga, etc.)

Holidays of the month

  • May 1, 2024 (1 event)

    May 1, 2024

    Today, the Ao Nagas of Nagaland celebrate Moatsu Mong. The festival takes place after the fields have been cleared, the weeds have been thrown away and the seeds are sown. People dance and sing, feast and pray. The festive spirits are complete with competitions where the best rice wine is rewarded. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #May 1 #Nagaland #AoNagas #MoatsuMong

  • May 5, 2024 (1 event)

    May 5, 2024

    Today, the Khiamniungan Nagas of Nagaland begin the Miu festival. Sacred songs and dances allow children to be blessed and the fields to be fertilized for Jhum crops. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #5May #Nagaland #Miu

Cultural areas in India

Religions in India are characterized by a diversity of practices and faiths. The country is the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism and has long been home to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism.

Hinduism is often considered one of the oldest religions in the world. The origins of Hinduism may include elements from the beliefs of the Indus Civilization, which existed from 3300 to 1700 BCE, but no archaeological evidence can confirm this. Hinduism's oldest text, the Rigveda, was composed during the Vedic period between 1700 and 1100 BC. The earliest versions of the epic poems of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata were composed between 300 and 100 BCE. After 200, Hindu schools of thought were codified into Indian philosophy: Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva-Mimamsa and Vedanta.

It was with Mahâvîra that Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, experienced significant expansion. Jainism is close to Raja yoga in its morality or its yamas (the five moral vows are the same, the first of which is Ahimsâ, Non-violence).

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539). His preaching was addressed to all human beings regardless of their religion, caste or gender. The holy book of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, was first compiled by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan, from the writings of the first five gurus and saints of other religions. Before the death of Guru Gobind Singh, the Sahib was declared as the eternal guru.