Trikonasana In Trafalgar Square

Religious activities, community service and yoga go hand in hand for Hindus in the UK

- Rupanjana Dutta

Religion in the UK has become an intrinsic part of the Hindu identity, especially in the last few decades. It is perhaps a symbol of their migration pattern after World War II or during the expulsion by Idi Amin. With time, they have established temples of their faith in the UK, as well as many community organisations and umbrella bodies to represent their ideologies. But what was exclusive to the people from that particular faith before, is now available to the wider society—and Britain stands as one of the best examples of a successful multicultural country.

Historically, Hinduism has had a presence in Britain from the early 19th century, since India was part of the British Empire. According to the 2011 Census of England and Wales, 8,17,000 residents (1.5 per cent) identified themselves as Hindus, the fourth largest religious group after Christianity, No Religion and Islam (5 per cent).

Hindus are the second largest South Asian group in the UK (27 per cent) after Muslims (57 per cent). Sikhs form 14 per cent. According to the 2001 Census, there were 101 Hindu temples in the UK, compared to 614 mosques and 193 gurdwaras.