Latest news with #PashupatinathTemple
Time of India
2 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
10 countries with the highest Hindu population
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with deep roots in Indian culture and history. While India remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Hinduism, the religion has also spread to many other countries across the globe. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In these places, Hindu communities maintain rich traditions, festivals, and places of worship that reflect the diversity and strength of Hindu beliefs. Below is an overview of the top 10 countries where Hinduism has a significant presence today. Note: This list of countries is based on the latest data from the World Population Review. India Hindu population: Approximately 1.1 billion Percentage of total population: 78.9% Hinduism originated in India and remains its spiritual and cultural center. Around 79% of India's population practices Hinduism, making the country home to the vast majority of the world's Hindus. The religion is expressed through many traditions and practices. India is also known for major Hindu festivals and sacred sites, such as the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Nepal Hindu population: Approximately 28.6 million Percentage of total population: 80.6% Nepal has the highest percentage of Hindus in its population. Hinduism is closely connected to the country's history and culture. One of the most important Hindu temples, the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered very sacred by Hindus around the world. Bangladesh Hindu population: Approximately 13.8 million Percentage of total population: 8.2% Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Bangladesh, after Islam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Most Hindus in Bangladesh live in rural areas, especially in places like Khulna and Barisal. Even though they face difficulties, the Hindu community still celebrates important festivals like Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja with great enthusiasm. Indonesia Hindu population: Approximately 4.2 million Percentage of total population: 1.6% Although Indonesia is mostly Muslim, it has a notable Hindu community, especially on the island of Bali. Balinese Hinduism is unique because it combines traditional Hindu beliefs with local customs and ancient nature-based practices. The island's culture, through its dance, music, and temples– shows this special blend of Hinduism. Pakistan Hindu population: Approximately 4 million Percentage of total population: 1.9% Most Hindus in Pakistan live in the Sindh province. Even though they are a minority, Pakistani Hindus keep their culture and religion alive through temples, festivals, and traditions that have been passed down for many generations. Sri Lanka Hindu population: Approximately 3.1 million Percentage of total population: 13.7% In Sri Lanka, most Hindus belong to the Tamil ethnic group, mainly living in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil temple in Jaffna is an important place of worship. Over time, the Hindu community has faced challenges like migration and changes in population. United States Hindu population: Approximately 2.5 million Percentage of total population: 0.5% The Hindu population in the United States has grown mainly because of immigration from India and Nepal. Hindus in America are involved in many areas like education, business, and politics. Temples and cultural centers across the country provide places for worship and community gatherings. Malaysia Hindu population: Approximately 1.9 million Percentage of total population: 5.8% In Malaysia, Hinduism is mostly practiced by the Indian community, especially Tamils. The Batu Caves in Selangor is a well-known Hindu temple that draws thousands of visitors during the Thaipusam festival. Despite living in a mainly Muslim country, Malaysian Hindus keep their religious traditions strong. United Kingdom Hindu population: Approximately 1 million Percentage of total population: 1.6% Hinduism has been part of the UK for a long time, starting during the colonial period. Today, Hindus are an important part of Britain's diverse society, contributing to many areas of life. Festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated with great excitement across the country. Myanmar Hindu population: Approximately 890,000 Percentage of total population: 1.7% Hinduism has a long history in Myanmar, with communities tracing their origins to Indian migration. The majority of Hindus in Myanmar are of Indian descent, particularly from Tamil and Bengali communities. These communities have been present in Myanmar for generations, contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of the country.
United News of India
4 days ago
- United News of India
AI Express to begin Bengaluru–Kathmandu flights June 1
Bengaluru, May 30 (UNI) Extending its regional footprint, Air India Express on Friday announced the launch of direct daily flights between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, starting June 1. This new route marks the airline's debut in Nepal, further enhancing its growing short-haul international network. Bookings for the new route are now open on the airline's website and across major travel portals, with inaugural fares starting at Rs 8,000 for Xpress Lite and Rs 8,500 for Xpress Value. Flight IX 197 will depart Bengaluru at 0505 hrs and arrive in Kathmandu at 0805 hrs local time. The return flight IX 198 will leave Kathmandu at 0905 hrs and reach Bengaluru at 1225 hrs. Both flights will operate daily. Commenting on the launch, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, "We are delighted to expand our footprint to Nepal, our neighbouring country in the subcontinent, further strengthening the deep-rooted cultural and economic ties we share. This new route brings people, tales, and traditions closer, while reinforcing our vision of making travel more accessible and meaningful." Kathmandu, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It serves as a gateway to Everest treks and spiritual journeys, with landmarks like the Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. Nearby destinations such as Pokhara, Bhaktapur, and Lumbini—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—are also easily accessible. The new service also provides convenient one-stop connectivity to Kathmandu via Bengaluru from 20 Indian cities including Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Pune, and Srinagar, as well as from Abu Dhabi and Dammam internationally. Currently, Air India Express operates over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru to 31 destinations across India and abroad, including Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and now Kathmandu. The airline also offers one-stop connections to additional domestic and 14 international destinations, such as Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, and Salalah. UNI BDN RN
