India’s 2025 Hindu Population Map: New State-Level Data on Distribution and Growth

Rank	Region name	Hindu Population (%)
1	Himachal Pradesh	94.19
2	Odisha	92.65
3	Chhattisgarh	92.27
4	DNHDD	91.52
5	Madhya Pradesh	89.91
6	Andhra Pradesh	89.52
7	Gujarat	87.59
8	Rajasthan	87.51
9	Tamil Nadu	86.6
10	Haryana	86.48
11	Puducherry	86.32
12	Telangana	84.05
13	Karnataka	83.02
14	Tripura	82.42
15	Bihar	81.71
16	Uttarakhand	80.17
17	Delhi	80.7
18	Chandigarh	79.8
19	Maharashtra	79.13
20	Uttar Pradesh	78.47
21	West Bengal	67.74
22	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	68.47
23	Jharkhand	66.85
24	Goa	65.1
25	Assam	57.27
26	Sikkim	53.56
27	Kerala	51.93
28	Punjab	40.73
29	Manipur	34.39
30	Jammu and Kashmir	26.62
31	Arunachal Pradesh	20.64
32	Ladakh	10.18
33	Meghalaya	10.55
34	Nagaland	7.77
35	Lakshadweep	1.79
36	Mizoram	1.77

India showcases a rich tapestry of religions, with Hinduism being the most widely practiced faith in the majority of its regions.

The accompanying table ranks the states and union territories based on the anticipated percentages of Hindus in 2025, utilizing data from the 2011 census as a foundation and adjusting for recognized demographic trends.

Significant concentrations of Hindus are found in the northern and central states, whereas the northeastern and certain southern regions exhibit a higher degree of religious diversity.

These differences underscore the historical, migratory, and fertility factors that have influenced the spiritual landscape of India within a changing society.

In-depth Analysis

To determine the national average, researchers apply a weighting method to state-level percentages in relation to current population figures, resulting in an estimated 78.5 percent of Hindus across the nation by 2025.

This statistic indicates a slow decrease from the 79.8 percent recorded in 2011, which corresponds with projections from the Pew Research Center that foresee a further decline to approximately 77 percent by 2050, attributed to varying fertility rates among different communities.

Regional Strengths in Hindu Majorities

Leading states such as Himachal Pradesh, with a Hindu majority of 94.19 percent, and Odisha at 92.65 percent, maintain robust Hindu populations due to their geographic seclusion and rich temple traditions.

The challenging terrain of Himachal Pradesh deters significant migration, enabling local Shaivite and Vaishnavite customs to thrive without interruption.

Odisha’s strength is bolstered by renowned sites like the Jagannath Temple, which foster community unity and reinforce cultural identity within agricultural lifestyles.

Chhattisgarh and DNHDD follow closely with over 91 percent Hindu majority, where tribal communities frequently blend Hindu deities with their ancestral beliefs.

Government programs safeguard these traditions, minimizing the impact of external religious influences.

Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are grouped in the high 80s to low 90s, benefiting from the historical legacies of Rajputs and Marathas, along with flourishing pilgrimage routes in locations such as Ujjain and Dwarka.

In the southern region, states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana exhibit a resilient form of Hinduism deeply rooted in Dravidian temple architecture and vibrant festivals.

Tamil Nadu’s Hindu majority of 86.6 percent remains strong despite the presence of coastal Christian communities, bolstered by influential temple trusts that stimulate local economies.

Urban and Mid-Range Variations

Mid-table states such as Haryana, Karnataka, and Bihar exhibit percentages ranging from 81 to 86. Urban centers in Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, draw a varied workforce, which slightly diminishes the rural Hindu majority.

The statistics for Bihar are influenced by socioeconomic conditions where education and family planning progress at a slower pace across different groups.

Delhi and Maharashtra are close to 80 percent, showcasing the impact of cosmopolitanism.

The economic allure of Mumbai attracts migrants from various faiths, while Maharashtra maintains a strong Maratha Hindu foundation.

Areas of Greater Diversity

Lower rankings indicate significant diversity. West Bengal, with a percentage of 67.74, and Assam at 57.27, are affected by influences from neighboring countries, including migration trends that increase Muslim demographics.

Kerala, at 51.93 percent, maintains a balance among Hindu, Muslim, and Christian populations, supported by high literacy rates and remittances from the Gulf that contribute to uniformly lower birth rates.

Punjab’s figure of 40.73 percent highlights Sikh dominance, with recent increases in Hindu representation due to emigration trends.

The northeastern states, including Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram, report Hindu minorities below 35 percent, primarily due to historical missionary efforts that have provided education and healthcare to tribal communities.

Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, show low percentages because of Muslim and Buddhist majorities, respectively. Lakshadweep’s almost entirely Muslim population is a result of early trade connections with Arab merchants.

Driving Factors Behind Patterns

Fertility differentials are significant, as minority groups have historically exhibited higher rates that gradually decrease over time due to national family planning initiatives.

Migration contributes to urban diversity, while conversions happen at a much lower rate compared to natural population growth. The presence of Christian communities in the northeast and Goa can be attributed to missionary activities during the colonial period.

Economic growth is linked to a decrease in majorities in affluent states such as Kerala and Punjab.

In contrast, temple networks and festivals help maintain substantial community ties in other regions.

Projections take these patterns into account but are still vulnerable to changes in policy, health crises, or shifts in migration.

India’s structure supports this diversity, with Hinduism being the predominant faith in most areas, while minority religions flourish in certain locales.

In summary, the national average of 78.5 percent highlights the persistent majority of Hinduism, even as gradual diversification occurs, illustrating a wider trend of demographic convergence.

Source

• Pew Research Center. (2021). Population growth and religious composition in India. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/