How Many Religions in Maharashtra? Exploring the Spiritual Diversity of the Western Indian State

Maharashtra, one of India’s most culturally and economically significant states, is not only known for Mumbai, Bollywood, and its historical forts—but also for its diverse religious landscape. With a long history of spiritual movements, saints, and social reformers, Maharashtra has been a land of religious tolerance and cultural integration.

In this article, we will explore how many religions are in Maharashtra, their population statistics, and their contributions to the state’s cultural and spiritual fabric.

How Many Religions in Maharashtra?

As per the Census of India, Maharashtra is home to six major religions, along with tribal and indigenous faiths. The state exemplifies India’s unity in diversity, with followers of different faiths living peacefully across rural and urban areas.

1. Hinduism

• Hinduism is the majority religion in Maharashtra.

• Followed by approximately 79.8% of the population.

• Maharashtra has a deep-rooted Bhakti tradition led by saints like Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, and Namdev.

• Major temples:

  • Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

  • Pandharpur Vitthal Temple

  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

• Celebrated festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Gudhi Padwa, Navaratri, and Makar Sankranti.

2. Islam

• Islam is the second-largest religion in the state.

• Followed by around 11.5% of the population.

• Major Muslim communities include both Sunni and Shia sects.

• Prominent Islamic sites: Haji Ali Dargah (Mumbai), Khamgaon Dargah, and Aurangabad mosques.

• Festivals celebrated: Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Ramzan, and Milad-un-Nabi.

3. Buddhism

• Maharashtra has the largest Buddhist population in India.

• Followed by 5.8% of the state’s population, mainly among Dalit communities who converted following Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1956.

• Known as Neo-Buddhists, they follow Theravāda Buddhism.

• Important Buddhist sites: Deekshabhoomi (Nagpur), Chaitya Bhoomi (Mumbai).

• Celebrated occasions: Ambedkar Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Dhammachakra Pravartan Din.

4. Christianity

• Followed by about 1.0% of the population.

• Christian communities are concentrated in Mumbai, Pune, Vasai, and Goa-bordering regions.

• Churches of note: Mount Mary Church (Mumbai), St. Thomas Cathedral, St. Xavier’s Church.

• Major festivals: Christmas, Easter, and Good Friday.

5. Jainism

• Followed by about 1.3% of the population.

• Jains in Maharashtra are mostly in urban areas like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Solapur.

• Jain temples: Ghodgiri Jain Mandir, Mangi-Tungi, and Shri Mahavir Jain Mandir (Mumbai).

• Important observances: Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti.

6. Sikhism

• A small but vibrant Sikh community exists in Maharashtra.

• Followed by around 0.2% of the population.

• Present in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nanded, which is a major pilgrimage center due to Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts (seats of authority) in Sikhism.

• Celebrated festivals: Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, and Hola Mohalla.

7. Tribal and Indigenous Faiths

• Maharashtra has many Adivasi (tribal) communities such as Bhils, Gonds, Katkaris, and Warlis, especially in Vidarbha and Konkan regions.

• These groups often practice a mix of animism, nature worship, and ancestor reverence, some blended with Hindu customs.

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FAQs: How Many Religions in Maharashtra?

1. What is the most followed religion in Maharashtra?

Hinduism, followed by approximately 79.8% of the population.

2. What is the second-largest religion in Maharashtra?

Islam, followed by around 11.5% of the population.

3. How significant is Buddhism in Maharashtra?

Very significant. Maharashtra has the highest Buddhist population in India, mainly due to mass conversions led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

4. Is Christianity widely practiced in Maharashtra?

Christianity is followed by about 1.0%, mostly in urban and coastal areas.

5. Do Jains have a strong presence in Maharashtra?

Yes, Jains form 1.3% of the population, with active religious and business communities in cities like Mumbai and Pune.

6. Are there Sikh religious centers in Maharashtra?

Yes, especially Hazur Sahib in Nanded, one of the most sacred Sikh shrines in the world.

7. Do tribal communities follow their own religions?

Yes, many tribal groups follow traditional belief systems focused on nature worship, although some also practice Hinduism or Christianity.