Who are the Hindu People?

As we begin our prayer journey, it's important to pause and understand the people for whom we are praying. With more than 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide—nearly 15% of the global population—Hinduism is one of the oldest and most widespread religions on earth. The vast majority, over 94%, live in India and Nepal, though vibrant Hindu communities can be found across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bali (Indonesia), Mauritius, Trinidad, Fiji, the UK, Und Nordamerika. But behind the rituals, symbols, and festivals are real people-mothers, fathers, students, farmers, neighbors—each uniquely created in the image of God, and deeply loved by Him.

Doch hinter den Ritualen, Symbolen und Festen stehen echte Menschen – Mütter, Väter, Studenten, Bauern, Nachbarn –, jeder von ihnen einzigartig nach dem Bild Gottes geschaffen und von ihm zutiefst geliebt.

To be Hindu is not always about believing a specific doctrine—it's often about being born into a culture, a rhythm of worship, and a shared way of life.

For many, Hinduism is passed down generationally through festivals, family rituals, pilgrimage, and stories. While some Hindus are deeply devout, others participate more out of cultural identity than spiritual conviction. Hindus may worship one god, many gods, or even consider all of reality as divine. Hinduism includes countless sects and practices, yet at its core are beliefs in karma (cause and effect), dharma (righteous duty), samsara (the cycle of rebirth), and moksha (liberation from the cycle).