According to a survey conducted by India's fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) in 2021 stated that about 36 percent of Christian men consumed alcohol in India. In contrast, over six percent of Muslim men consumed alcohol.

With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Hinduism made up for the highest share of faith followed by people in the country. According to the Indian census of 2011, Muslims had the highest population growth in the country.

As of 2010, Christianity was the religion with the most followers worldwide, followed by Islam (Muslims) and Hinduism. In the forty years between 2010 and 2050, it is projected that the landscape of world religions will undergo some noticeable changes, with the number of Muslims almost catching up to Christians. The changes in population sizes of each religious group is largely dependent on demographic development, for example, the rise in the world's Christian population will largely be driven by population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Muslim populations will rise across various regions of Africa and South Asia. As India's population is set to grow while China's goes into decline, this will be reflected in the fact that Hindus will outnumber the unaffiliated by 2050. In fact, India may be home to both the largest Hindu and Muslim populations in the world by the middle of this century.

India Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Urban data was reported at 68,740,419.000 Person in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 49,393,496.000 Person for 2001. India Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Urban data is updated yearly, averaging 59,066,957.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 68,740,419.000 Person in 2011 and a record low of 49,393,496.000 Person in 2001. India Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Urban data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Census of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE001: Census: Population: by Religion.

It was estimated that by 2050, India's Muslim population would grow by 76 percent compared to 2010. For followers of the Hindu faith, this change stood at 33 percent. According to this projection, the south Asian country would be home not just to the world's majority of Hindus, but also Muslims by this time period. Regardless, the latter would continue to remain a minority within the country at 18 percent, with 77 percent or 1.3 billion Hindus at the forefront by 2050.

This dataset provides the labour force participation rates (LFPR), in percentage terms, for major religious groups in India, based on usual status (ps+ss). It is sourced from the PLFS reports conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The years covered in the survey are from July to June. For instance, 2023-24 refers to the period July 2023 to June 2024 and likewise for other years.

This dataset provides the unemployment rates for major religious groups in India, based on usual status (ps+ss). For years before 2017-18, the data was obtained in different quinquennial rounds of NSSO conducted from 2004-05 (NSS 61st) to 2011-12 (NSS 68th round). From 2017-18 the data is sourced from the annual report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The data highlights unemployment trends within different religious communities.

Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data was reported at 1,406,825.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,012,141.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data is updated decadal, averaging 1,209,483.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,406,825.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 1,012,141.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Uttarakhand data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE003: Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim.

We investigate how religion concordance influences the effectiveness of preventive health campaigns. Conducted during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in two major Indian cities marked by Hindu--Muslim tensions, we randomly assigned a representative sample of slum residents to receive either a physician-delivered information campaign promoting health-related preventive practices, or uninformative control messages on their mobile phones. Messages, introduced by a local citizen (the sender), were cross-randomized to start with a greeting signaling either a Hindu or a Muslim identity, manipulating religion concordance between sender and receiver. We found that doctor messages increased compliance with recommended practices and beliefs in their efficacy. Our findings suggest that the campaign's impact is primarily driven by shared religion between sender and receiver, leading to increased message engagement and compliance with recommended practices. Additionally, we observe that religion concordance helps protect against misinformation.

According to India's last census details, Hindus made up the majority of the population in the country, followed by Muslims. At the same time, almost three million people did not state their religion for the census. India has historically been a religiously pluralistic and multiethnic democracy, with a substantial proportion of all major religions of the world along with several minority and tribal religions.

Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Kerala: Female data was reported at 2,449,452.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,031,549.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Kerala: Female data is updated decadal, averaging 1,740,500.500 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,449,452.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 1,031,549.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim: Kerala: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE003: Census: Population: by Religion: Muslim.

India Faith Based Tourism Market is growing with a CAGR of 15.3% in the prediction period and it crosses USD 3,689.5 Mn by 2032 from USD 1,361.1 Mn in 2025.

Sikhism is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent during the fifteenth century. Sikhs follow the teachings of 'gurus', who descend from the first guru Guru Naruk who established the faith. Followers of Sikhism are monotheists, believing in only one god, and other core beliefs include the need to meditate, the importance of community and communal living, and the need to serve humanity selflessly (or 'seva'). Sikhism and the British Empire In total, there are around 26 million Sikhs worldwide, and over 24 million of these live in India. Outside of India, the largest Sikh populations are mostly found in former territories of the British Empire - the UK and Canada both have Sikh populations of over half a million people. Migration from India to other parts of the British Empire was high in the 19th century, due to the labor demands of relatively newer colonies, as well as those where slavery had been abolished. These countries also remain popular destinations for Sikh migrants today, as many are highly trained and English-speaking. Other regions with significant Sikh populations Italy also has a sizeable Sikh population, as many migrated there after serving there in the British Army during WWI, and they are now heavily represented in Italy's dairy industry. The Sikh population of Saudi Arabia is also reflective of the fact that the largest Indian diaspora in the world can now be found in the Middle East - this is due to the labor demands of the fossil fuel industries and their associated secondary industries, although a large share of Indians in this part of the world are there on a temporary basis.

Census: Population: by Religion: Sikh: Arunachal Pradesh data was reported at 3,287.000 Person in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,865.000 Person for 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Sikh: Arunachal Pradesh data is updated decadal, averaging 2,576.000 Person from Mar 2001 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,287.000 Person in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 1,865.000 Person in 03-01-2001. Census: Population: by Religion: Sikh: Arunachal Pradesh data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAE005: Census: Population: by Religion: Sikh.

Due to religious heritages, increasing domestic and international pilgrimages, and government efforts to promote religious tourism; India religious tourism sector can be expected to witness substantial growth between 2025 and 2035. India has temples, Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, Sikh gurdwaras and Islamic mosques, which means the country is one of the best places for travellers for the road for faith.

Metric	Value
Market Size in 2025	USD 13.7 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2035	USD 58.6 Billion
CAGR (2025-2035)	15.6%

Region	CAGR (2025-2035)
Northern India	16.2%

Region	CAGR (2025-2035)
Western India	15.8%

Region	CAGR (2025-2035)
Southern India	16.0%

Region	CAGR (2025-2035)
Eastern and North-eastern India	15.7%

Company/Organization Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation) Pilgrim Packages	20-25%
Yatra.com (Religious Tour Packages & Pilgrimage Booking)	12-16%
Thomas Cook India (Faith-Based Travel Division)	10-14%
SOTC Travel (India Religious Tourism Packages)	8-12%
State Tourism Boards (UP, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh)	5-9%
Other Travel Operators & Religious Trusts (combined)	30-40%

With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Islam makes up the highest share among minority faiths in the country. According to the Indian census of 2011, the Muslim population in Uttar Pradesh more than 35 million, making it the state with the most Muslims.

Socio-economic conditions of Muslims
Muslims seem to lag behind every other religious community in India in terms of living standards, financial stability, education and other aspects, thereby showing poor performance in most of the fields. According to a national survey, 17 percent of the Muslims were categorized under the lowest wealth index, which indicates poor socio-economic conditions.

Growth of Muslim population in India
Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions worldwide. According to India’s census, the Muslim population has witnessed a negative decadal growth of more than 16 percent from 1951 to 1960, presumably due to the partitions forming Pakistan and Bangladesh. The population showed a positive and steady growth since 1961, making up 14 percent of the total population of India . Even though people following Islam were estimated to grow significantly, they would still remain a minority in India compared to 1.3 billion Hindus by 2050.

Faith Based Tourism Market Outlook

The global faith-based tourism market size is anticipated to grow significantly from $18.4 billion in 2023 to an estimated $35.9 billion by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. This growth is largely fueled by the increasing interest in spiritual journeys, religious celebrations, and cultural heritage explorations that transcend mere leisure travel. The market is witnessing substantial expansion as more travelers seek experiences that align with their spiritual beliefs and religious practices.

The faith-based tourism market is gaining momentum due to multiple growth factors. A significant driver is the rising disposable income and the increased ability of individuals to spend on travel to religious destinations. Many individuals from diverse religious backgrounds now prioritize spiritual journeys and pilgrimages as part of their travel plans. Moreover, the democratization of travel information through digital platforms has made it easier for people to learn about and plan trips to religious sites around the world, further boosting the market.

Another factor propelling the growth of faith-based tourism is the increasing elderly population, particularly in developed nations, who have both the time and resources to engage in religious travel. Senior citizens often view pilgrimages as an essential part of their religious duties, leading to a surge in demand for faith-based travel services catering specifically to this demographic. Furthermore, many religious organizations and tour operators have started offering specialized packages that include guided tours, accommodation, and other services tailored to the needs of senior travelers.

Technological advancements and the rise of social media also play a crucial role in the growth of this market. Social media platforms allow travelers to share their experiences, inspiring others to embark on similar journeys. Additionally, advancements in travel technology facilitate easier booking processes, more accessible information about destinations, and enhanced safety measures. This has made faith-based tourism more appealing and accessible to a broader audience, including younger generations who might be looking to explore their religious heritage.

Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the most significant growth in faith-based tourism. Countries like India, with its multitude of religious sites, and Japan, known for its historic temples and shrines, are becoming increasingly popular among faith-based tourists. Meanwhile, Europe, with its rich Christian heritage and numerous pilgrimage sites, remains a stronghold in this market. Growing interconnectivity and improved tourism infrastructure across these regions are facilitating easier access to these spiritual destinations, further stimulating market growth.

Type Analysis

The faith-based tourism market is segmented by type into several categories: pilgrimages, religious conventions, faith-based cruises, missionary travel, and others. Pilgrimages make up the largest segment, as they are integral to many religious traditions. Pilgrimages to destinations like Mecca for Muslims, the Vatican for Catholics, and the Ganges River for Hindus see millions of participants each year. This segment's growth is driven by the intrinsic value these journeys hold for believers, often seen as fulfilling religious obligations or aspirations, contributing significantly to the overall market size.

Religious conventions form another significant segment. These large gatherings, such as the World Youth Day for Catholics or the Hajj for Muslims, attract thousands of participants from around the globe. The growing frequency and scale of these events reflect the increasing organization within religious communities to foster communal worship and learning experiences. The logistics and travel services tailored to support such conventions are becoming more sophisticated, thereby enhancing the appeal and accessibility of these events to international attendees.

Faith-based cruises are a burgeoning segment within the market. These cruises offer a unique blend of leisure and religious education, where travelers can enjoy luxury amenities while participating in spiritual activities like prayer sessions, religious lectures, and communal worship. The convenience and comfort provided by cruises have made this segment particularly popular among families and older adults, contributing to its growing market share.

Missionary travel, though smaller in comparison to

With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Hinduism made up for the highest share of faith followed by people in the country. According to the Indian census of 2011, Himachal Pradesh had the highest share of Hindu population in the country.

According to the latest census data, Lakshadweep, the island union territory had the highest share of Muslim population in the country, where 97 percent of its population identified as followers of the Islamic faith. Jammu & Kashmir ranked second at 68 percent during the same time period. With almost all major religions being practiced throughout the country, India is known for its religious diversity. Islam makes up the highest share among minority faiths in the country.

Abstract

The World Values Survey (www.worldvaluessurvey.org) is a global network of social scientists studying changing values and their impact on social and political life, led by an international team of scholars, with the WVS association and secretariat headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The survey, which started in 1981, seeks to use the most rigorous, high-quality research designs in each country. The WVS consists of nationally representative surveys conducted in almost 100 countries which contain almost 90 percent of the world’s population, using a common questionnaire. The WVS is the largest non-commercial, cross-national, time series investigation of human beliefs and values ever executed, currently including interviews with almost 400,000 respondents. Moreover the WVS is the only academic study covering the full range of global variations, from very poor to very rich countries, in all of the world’s major cultural zones. The WVS seeks to help scientists and policy makers understand changes in the beliefs, values and motivations of people throughout the world. Thousands of political scientists, sociologists, social psychologists, anthropologists and economists have used these data to analyze such topics as economic development, democratization, religion, gender equality, social capital, and subjective well-being. These data have also been widely used by government officials, journalists and students, and groups at the World Bank have analyzed the linkages between cultural factors and economic development.

Geographic coverage

This survey covers India.

Analysis unit

• Household
• Individual

Universe

The WVS for India cover national population, aged 18 years and over, for both sexes.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sample size for India is N=2040 and includes national population, aged 18 years and over, for both sexes.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The WVS questionnaire was in Hindu. Some special variable labels have been included such as: V56 Neighbours: Muslims and V149 Institution: SAARC. Special categories labels are: V167 Least liked groups: 1. stands for “Musims”, 2. for Capitalists, 3. for Stalinists/Hard-line communists, 4. for Inmigrants/People from other countries, 5. for Homosexuals, 6. for Criminals, 7. for Neonazis/ Right extremists, 8. for Shiv senal/VHP/ Bajrang Dal, 9. People from other states. The following variables are also different in India: V167 Least Liked Groups; V179: Religion; V208 Ethnic identification; V209 Language at home; V210 to V212 Political Parties; V233 Ethnic group and V234 Region. The V206 Born in this country is also different in India.

Sampling error estimates

+/- 2,2%