How Many Religions in Odisha? FAQs

Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is a state rich in heritage, architecture, and spirituality. Known for the world-famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, and classical dance forms like Odissi, Odisha is also a land of diverse religious beliefs that have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

In this article, we will explore how many religions are there in Odisha, their demographic presence, and their cultural significance.

How Many Religions in Odisha?

According to the Census of India, Odisha is home to six major religions, along with various tribal and indigenous belief systems. The state reflects a harmonious mix of mainstream Indian religions and tribal traditions, which have deeply influenced its culture, art, and festivals.

1. Hinduism

• Hinduism is the majority religion in Odisha.

• Followed by about 93.6% of the population.

• Odisha is famous for its ancient temples and spiritual centre's:

  • Jagannath Temple (Puri)

  • Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar)

  • Konark Sun Temple

• Major festivals include Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, and Raja Parba.

• Odisha has a strong legacy of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.

2. Islam

• Islam is the second-largest religion in Odisha.

• Followed by about 2.2% of the population.

• Found in cities like Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Rourkela.

• Major festivals: Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Milad-un-Nabi.

• Several mosques are centuries old and reflect Odisha’s historical ties with Arab traders and Islamic rulers.

3. Christianity

• Followed by around 2.8% of the population.

• Significant among tribal communities in districts like Kandhamal, Sundargarh, Gajapati, and Rayagada.

• Christian missionaries have contributed to education and healthcare in remote areas.

• Celebrations: Christmas, Easter, and Good Friday.

• Notable churches are present in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Berhampur.

4. Buddhism

• Historically significant but followed by a small minority today.

• Ancient Odisha was a center of Buddhism, especially under Emperor Ashoka.

• Key Buddhist sites:

  • Dhauli Hills

  • Lalitgiri

  • Ratnagiri

  • Udayagiri

• These sites are important for pilgrims and archaeologists but have few practicing Buddhists today.

5. Jainism

• A very small religious group in Odisha today.

• However, Jainism had a strong presence in ancient Kalinga (historical Odisha).

• Jain caves and statues can be found at Udayagiri and Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar.

• Present-day Jains are mostly found in urban areas, engaged in business and trade.

6. Sikhism

• Followed by a very small community in Odisha.

• Mainly present in Rourkela, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar.

• Gurudwaras serve the Sikh community, especially those working in industry and railways.

• Sikh festivals like Guru Nanak Jayanti and Baisakhi are celebrated.

7. Tribal and Indigenous Religions

• Odisha has a large tribal population (over 22% of the state), including communities like Santals, Kondhs, Bhumijas, Saoras, and Gonds.

• Many follow traditional tribal religions, based on nature worship, animism, and ancestor veneration.

• Some tribal practices have merged with Hindu traditions, while others remain distinct.

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FAQs: How Many Religions in Odisha?

1. What is the most followed religion in Odisha?

Hinduism, followed by about 93.6% of the population.

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

Christianity (2.8%) is slightly more than Islam (2.2%), making it the second-largest religion by a narrow margin.

3. Are there Buddhist followers in Odisha today?

Only a small number today, but Odisha has important historical Buddhist sites like Dhauli, Ratnagiri, and Lalitgiri.

4. Is Jainism practiced in Odisha?

Yes, but by a very small number of people, mostly in urban business communities.

5. Do tribal communities in Odisha follow different religions?

Yes, many tribal groups follow traditional spiritual systems based on nature worship and ancestor worship.

6. Are there Sikhs in Odisha?

Yes, mainly in urban industrial centre's like Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, but the Sikh population is very small.