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According to the
constitution of India, the country is a secular
republic. Indian citizens are free to follow any
religion and faith. Indians worship different Gods
in many different ways. Religion with its rituals
and philosophy forms the life style of any average
individual born and brought up in India.
India has also created a platform for many religions
from all over the world. However the main religions
of India are Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism,
Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Judaism.
Over 80% of Indians practice Hinduism, 13.45% of
Indians practice Islam, 2.35% Christianity and 1.94%
Sikhism. Popular faiths like Jainism and Buddhism
which have originated in India are practiced all
over the world today. But Parsis and Judais are a
disappearing minority in India now.
All religions of India have a wide reach and are
recognized for their strength all over the globe.
Indian society follows a rigid caste system. Indian
people normally marry within their own communities
and castes. Most Indians have a tolerant attitude
towards other castes and communities. India has
preserved its secular outlook through volatile a
history of foreign invasions.
Communal clashes in India do occur but more often
than not they are based vested political interests
than genuine religious differences. The freedom to
practice any religion of his choice is a fundamental
right of every Indian citizen. There is an ongoing
attempt to modify the Indian constitution in order
to establish a uniform civil code for all Indian
citizens. This concept is still in the process of
taking manifestation as a directive principal.
Religious communities follow their own personal
codes for now. However Indian law is the same for
people of all communities in India.
Based on the religion, there are many religious
festivals that are widely observed in India and they
hold a great importance for the people. India's
secular governance states that no religious festival
should be given the status of a national holiday.
Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Durga puja, Dussehra
and Sankranthi are the most popular Hindu festivals
in India. The Islamic Eid festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr
and Eid-ul-Adha are the most celebrated among the
Muslims. Christmas, Buddha Jayanti, and Guru Nanak's
Birthday are holidays among the remaining religious
groups. However, the best part is that be it any
festival Indians from all castes and communities
come together to celebrate the event.
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