The rise of ‘Cultural Hinduism’, particularly among urban populations and the diaspora is not a dilution but a visible sign of the rise of shared Hindu pride. People Lotus reached out for comments on the subject also feel good about freedom their faith allows them in terms of modes of worship, and the fact that their relationship with God is not of fear.
Third part of the Diwali Special series.
Our religion uniquely gives us freedom & opportunity for individual-driven growth
~ Shobit Arya
“All organised religions are filters of Light—Light, that is universal and all pervading,” Henryk Skolimowski, a well-known Polish philosopher who I had the privilege of publishing, explained during an editorial session. I nodded in agreement and asked him, “Would you agree that of all religions, Hinduism offers the least amount of filtration?” He did not answer immediately, gave it a deep thought and then smiled to say that he agreed.
What was for the late gentle philosopher a matter of study as an outsider, for most of us Hindus is a living experience. Our religion gives us freedom and opportunity for individual-driven growth like possibly none other.
I could give up all the rituals as unnecessary and still remain a ‘devout’ Hindu. Or, I could scientifically analyze that ringing the temple bell, lighting incense or a diya and putting a tilak helps me disengage with the outer world and become more meditative, and therefore choose to follow many of the rituals. That, though, doesn’t make me a greater Hindu.
What stands out even more is that the relationship of a Hindu with God is seldom of fear. How can you fear any of the forms of the Divine Mother, even if it is Maa Kali, for there is Maa associated with her! Or Krishna, whose balrupa is so enchanting that you forget his destroyer-of-evil act. Even the all-powerful Shiva, whose Tandava is supposed to annihilate the universe and fill everyone with fear, is endearingly remembered as Bhole Baba, one who is ready to give refuge to everyone.
One may look down upon idol worship or form an eternal loving bond with God by feeding those little idols in their alcove-temple during puja, one may believe in many gods or one or none, Hinduism allows you to just be. For at its very core is enshrined Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti (truth is one, the wise speak of it in many ways).
Hinduism, then, is more of a vessel of Light, carrying its essence to the individual. What we filter in or out is up to us.
Shobit Arya is the founder and publisher of Wisdom Tree, an award-winning Indian publishing house with global presence. He has conceptualized several books with renowned authors such as Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar and Shashi Tharoor, as well as curated ‘The Indian Woman’ and photo-edited ‘The India Idea’, both used as diplomatic gifts by the Indian government.
Festivals like Diwali and Navratri serve as a bridge to one’s cultural identity
~ K. Hari Kumar
Hinduism is not a monolithic religion but an umbrella term for a wide array of philosophies, traditions, and belief systems. This pluralism is one of its greatest strengths, allowing schools of thought like Madhvacharya’s Dvaita and Sankara’s Advaita to coexist without conflict.
This flexibility is reflected in the rise of cultural Hinduism, particularly among the diaspora and urban populations. I wouldn’t say it is a new phenomenon. It’s just more visible today because of social media and the rise of shared Hindu pride. Festivals like Navratri and Diwali have evolved into community-centric events, where the focus is more on social bonding and heritage than on strict religious rituals.
I experienced this growing up in Delhi, where Onam and Vishu celebrations brought together people from my region (Kerala), offering my parents a sense of belonging and helping me connect to my roots. This mirrors the experience of those celebrating Diwali or Navratri abroad, where festivals serve as a bridge to one’s cultural identity.
Hinduism’s inclusive nature means even those who don’t engage in traditional religious practices can still connect with its cultural and philosophical heritage, whether through yoga, meditation, or festivals. This adaptability allows individuals to take pride in their heritage while living modern, often secular, lives.
There may be a subtle fear of missing out for those less connected to traditional rituals, but Hinduism’s open-endedness ensures that everyone, from the devout to the casual participant, finds a place within its fold.
Ultimately, it is this pluralism that keeps Hinduism relevant and evolving, providing a strong sense of belonging and continuity across time and geography, making it both a spiritual guide and a rich cultural foundation.
K. Hari Kumar is a filmmaker, screenwriter, and bestselling author of Horror, Occult, Folklore & Regional Mythology books.
Hinduism's philosophy and cultural traditions go hand in hand
~ Ashok Vyas
Hinduism is vast and all-encompassing. It has evolved over centuries while rooted in the Vedas. Its core is a sense of oneness that encourages celebrating life with due respect to diversity.
Hinduism’s philosophy and cultural traditions go hand in hand. The presence of various deities accessible to the devotee provides him or her with a personal bond.Appreciating and sharing love and gratitude has given us multiple festivals.
As is the case with democracy, Hindus have the freedom to design the way they celebrate and worship.
The Vedas provide the structure of shraddha (faith) and clarity about the omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient Ishwar, or the formless Brahman.
The demarcation of cultural Hindu and religious Hindu also stems from ourflexibility to pick, choose, and weave the garland of our devotion, our daily ritual.
So, I don’t subscribe to the reference of “cultural Hindu” as denying or discarding certain parts of Hinduism. I see it as the level of understanding and swabhav(inclination) plus exposure of a particular Hindu.
Culture and dharma are like body and soul; culture helps carry the essence we refer to as dharma with spiritual awareness.
Just the observance of festivals would have a good social impact, but ignoring the core spirit of the utsav would prevent us from nourishing the soul.
Wishing Happy Deepavali and a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all Lotus readers.
Ashok Vyas is ITV Gold Program Director and Founder of the New York-based Heramba Art and Culture Center (YouTube.com/HerambaStudio).
Hinduism is a way of life, coexisting peacefully with others
~ Umesh Mehta
I think Hinduism is a way of living life peacefully. There is no compulsion to strictly follow religious rituals, etc., so we Hindus feel free and comfortable with our religion. If I wish, I can fast or avoid it without any guilt. Hindus celebrate festivals with high spirits, not with too many strict rituals. Festivals always bring joy and happiness. This is the real beauty of Hinduism, and we feel proud to be known as Hindus.
Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, in my opinion, arose from Hinduism. We all take pride in belonging to the Indian civilization, arguably the oldest.
Religion teaches us how to coexist in a civilized manner without hurting others. Only in the Hinduism do we say the whole world is a family without any discrimination – VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBKAM.
‘Cultural Hindu’ may be becoming the new normal, yet we follow the teachings of Ramayana and Gita. Our sacred books tell us what is right and what is wrong. That is true dharma, people call it religion.
Umesh Mehta is a public relations veteran and publisher of books on culture and religion.
Illustration by Vedant Chopra for Lotus
For first part of this 3-part series, click here:
Is being a ‘cultural Hindu’ becoming the new normal?
1 comment
I appreciate the efforts of A LOTUS IN THE MUD to enlighten the readers, youth in particular, about Hinduism and its spirit. It is altruistic and inclusive in nature.
Hinduism is an embodiment of Dharma which is kutastha, achala and dhruva. Hindus are not believers, but seekers of Truth. For them the creation (vasudha) is a single unit (eka-kutumba).
On the eve of Deepaavali, I congratulate you and pray the Almighty to bestow strength and courage to carry forth the cause to achieve it’s goal.