How Many Religions in Bihar? Key Insights and FAQS
Bihar, one of the oldest inhabited places in the world and the land of ancient civilizations, has long been a centre of spirituality and religious diversity. It is not only the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism but also a land where many faiths have flourished for centuries. Understanding how many religions in Bihar gives us a deeper insight into its social and cultural structure.
How Many Religions in Bihar?
Bihar, like most Indian states, is home to multiple religions, with Hinduism being the majority faith. According to the Census of India, Bihar is primarily dominated by six major religions, along with smaller communities and tribal belief systems.
Here’s a breakdown of the major religions in Bihar:
1. Hinduism
-
Majority Religion in Bihar.
-
Over 82% of the population follows Hinduism.
-
Deeply rooted in rituals, festivals, and temple traditions.
-
Popular festivals: Chhath Puja, Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra.
-
Ancient temples and pilgrimage sites like Mundeshwari Temple, one of the oldest functional temples in India.
2. Islam
-
Second-largest religion in Bihar.
-
Around 16.9% of the population are Muslims.
-
Strong presence in districts like Kishanganj, Purnia, Araria, Katihar, and Darbhanga.
-
Islamic festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Muharram are widely observed.
-
Mosques and madrasas form an important part of the religious infrastructure.
3. Christianity
-
A minority religion in Bihar.
-
Comprises around 0.12% of the population.
-
Christians are mostly found in urban areas like Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur.
-
Missionary schools and hospitals run by Christian organizations play a significant role in education and healthcare.
4. Sikhism
-
A very small community in Bihar, comprising about 0.02% of the population.
-
Despite the small numbers, Bihar holds great significance in Sikh history.
-
Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (10th Sikh Guru), is one of the holiest Sikh shrines.
5. Jainism
-
Historically significant, though Jains today form a small minority.
-
Bihar is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, born in Vaishali.
-
Several Jain temples and pilgrimage centers exist, especially in regions with historical connections.
6. Buddhism
-
Though Buddhism originated in Bihar, its followers today are a small minority (around 0.1%).
-
Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, making it a global spiritual destination.
-
Important Buddhist sites: Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Vaishali.
7. Tribal and Folk Religions
-
Certain tribal communities in Bihar, especially in regions bordering Jharkhand, follow their own traditional belief systems.
-
These include nature worship, ancestor worship, and local deities.
-
While not classified under major religions, these belief systems are crucial to Bihar’s cultural landscape.
FAQs: How Many Religions in Bihar?
1. What is the most followed religion in Bihar?
Hinduism is the most widely followed religion, with over 82% of the population adhering to it.
2. How many major religions are practiced in Bihar?
Bihar has six major religions:
-
Hinduism
-
Islam
-
Christianity
-
Sikhism
-
Jainism
-
Buddhism
Additionally, tribal and folk religions are practiced in some regions.
3. Is Buddhism still a major religion in Bihar?
No, Buddhism is not a major religion in Bihar today, but the state holds immense historical and spiritual importance as the place where Buddha attained enlightenment.
4. Which is the second-largest religion in Bihar?
Islam is the second-largest religion in Bihar, comprising about 16.9% of the population.
5. Are there Sikh communities in Bihar?
Yes, although small in number, Sikh communities do exist. The Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Patna is a significant Sikh pilgrimage site.
6. What role does Christianity play in Bihar?
Christianity is followed by a small percentage, but Christian schools and hospitals have had a notable impact, especially in urban areas.
7. Do tribal religions still exist in Bihar?
Yes, tribal groups in certain districts continue to follow indigenous and folk belief systems, often centered around nature worship.