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In Delhi the dominant religion is Hinduism, which is
practiced by about 80% of the capital's population. Muslims also form a
large group, constituting about 14% and other religious groups are
Christians, Sikhs, and Jains.
Hinduism
The Hindu religion has three basic practices - puja or worship, the
cremation of the dead, and the rules and regulations of the caste system.
Being the most dominant religion in the capital, it has plushed
Delhi with some of the most striking and modern
architecture temples. The most famous temple is the Lakshmi Narayan
Temple, popularly known as
Birla Mandir, which
holds one of the most extravagant event of celebrating the festival of
Janamashtmi every year
attracting thousands of tourists from all across the country.
Sikhism
A progressive religion well ahead of its time, since the time it was
found, over 500 years ago, the Sikh religion today has a following of over
20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest
religion. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at
all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces
superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the
teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru,
Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Delhi's principal gurdwara
Bangla Sahib is very
popular among Sikh pilgrims and visitors of all denominations are welcome
over here.
Jainism
Today Jains are among India's most distinguished trading and business
communities and the legacy of Jain art and culture is just as profound.
The Jain community has created their own landmarks when it comes to temple
architecture and some of the distinguished temples can be seen in the
states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Delhi also house one
of the landmarks of Jain temple architecture, the Digambar Jain Temple.
Islam
The conquest of India by the Muslims made an effective and distinct
impact on the indigenous manifestations of life and culture, which gave
rise to other expressions of art, architecture and religion. Islam is
regularly practiced in the Old Delhi part of the capital. Popularly known
as Shahjahanabad, majority of the Muslim population resides over here. The
most sacred religious place of Muslims all over the world, Jama Masjid is
also situated over here and is one of the largest mosques
built in India.
Christianity
Even if Christianity isn't such a famous religion in northern India as
much as it is in the south, still a decent percentage of people follow it
in the capital. Christianity made its impact in the capital before the
arrival of British but it really flourished in the colonial era. The most
remarkable impact of this religion are the two famous exquisitely built
churches situated in the heart of city,
Church of the Redemption
and Church of
the Sacred Heart .