Complete Details of Religions in Nepal
Religion in Nepal is deeply connected with the country’s culture, festivals, rituals, architecture, and everyday life. Nepal is a secular country with a long history of religious harmony, where Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, Christianity, Bon, Jainism, Sikhism, Prakriti and other faith traditions are followed by different communities.
The most dominant religion here remains Hinduism, with 81.2% of the population, and Buddhism trails behind at 8.2%. The Declaration of Secularism brought an increase in the number of followers of other religions. Nepal’s declaration as a secular country recognised its religious diversity and gave people the freedom to follow their faith while respecting others' beliefs. Although secularism allows people to follow a religion, influencing or forcing others is strictly prohibited. Forceful conversion is considered a crime and is punishable by fines, imprisonment and even expulsion if he/she is a foreigner. Discussions around Nepal’s secular identity continue in public and political spaces, but Nepal remains a secular country under the current constitution. But secularism still prevails, protecting the freedom and individuality of the people.
Note: The religion data in this article is based on Nepal’s 2021 National Population and Housing Census.
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Fast Facts About Religions in Nepal
1) Nepal is a secular country with freedom of religion.
2) Hinduism is the largest religion in Nepal, followed by Buddhism, Islam, Kirat and Christianity.
3) According to the 2021 census, 81.2% of Nepal’s population follows Hinduism.
4) Buddhism is the second-largest religion in Nepal, followed by 8.2% of the population.
5) Many religious sites in Nepal are shared or respected by people from more than one faith.
6) Religious festivals, temples, monasteries, stupas and pilgrimage sites are a major part of Nepal’s cultural identity.
List of 10 Religions in Nepal
1) Hinduism
2) Buddhism
3) Islam
4) Kirat
5) Christianity
6) Prakriti
7) Bon
8) Jainism
9) Sikhism
10) Bahai
Hinduism is the major religion as well as the dominant religion of Nepal
Hinduism
Population Composition: 81.2%
Major Deities: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Scriptures: Vedas, Vedangas, Puranas, Itihasas
Hinduism is the most dominant religion in Nepal. Referred to as the Sanatan Dharma (Eternal religion), Hinduism is said to have existed before human civilisation. Introduced by the first rulers, it is the oldest religion of Nepal. The majority of the ruling dynasties of Nepal were Hindu, so Hinduism is well-developed and common among the residents of this nation. Thus, Hinduism became the major religion in Nepal. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Gai Jatra and Holi are celebrated throughout the nation with great enthusiasm and interest.
It is a polytheistic religion, with about 330 million deities. Each deity is linked to an act or ceremony and has its own importance. People choose the deities they wish to worship daily. In Nepal, there is a tradition of worshipping a family deity (Kul devata) along with the other deities. The people worship the deities by offering sweets, flowers and tika. They also sing prayers, also known as Bhajans, dedicated to specific gods to impress them.
Buddhism
Population Composition: 8.2%
Major Deities: Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Yidam
Scriptures: Buddhavacana, Tripitaka, Mahayana sutras
Buddhism is mostly about the inner journey and the way to connect oneself to reality and experience it. It focuses on a person's physical and spiritual contentment. Being the birthplace of the greatest messenger of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha, it is the second most dominant religion. Buddhism was first introduced in Nepal by Gautam Buddha during the rule of the 7th Kirat king Jitedasti. It further spread during the rule of King Sthunko, when the Indian emperor ordered the construction of the Ashoka Pillars in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
This religion has established itself as diverse. Beliefs among the followers vary. It has two roots: Hinayana and Mahayana. Hinayana focuses on the teachings of the Buddha, while Mahayana emphasises worshipping deities and achieving enlightenment by following them as examples. However, jest remains the same. In Nepal, Mahayana Buddhists are more prevalent. The roots of Buddhism are also intertwined with Hinduism. Many religious sites, such as Muktinath and Swayambhunath, are important to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Islam
Population Composition: 5.1%
Major Deities: Allah
Scriptures: Quran, Tafsir, Sunnah
Founded by Muhammad, the messenger of God, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world. In Nepal, Islam is practised by a small minority, but they are quite devoted to the religion. The Islamic religion was introduced to Nepal in the 17th century by North Indians. The first Muslims to enter Nepal can be traced back to the 15th Century, when Kashmiri traders came here to trade. Some Afghans and Persians also worked as weapons trainers or manufacturers during this period, and it is believed that the Islamic religion spread during that period.
Muslims are very devout to their god and can be seen as an example of devotion and dedication. The concentration of Muslim followers is evident in the terai regions, but at present, a large number of Muslims are found in other parts as well, although there are few places of worship for Muslims. The number of Muslim followers is increasing steadily in Nepal.
Kiratism
Population Composition: 3.2%
Major Deities: Shiva, Tagera Ningwaphuma
Scriptures: Kirat Mundhum
Kiratism is a religion practised in Nepal and India, first introduced by the Kirat dynasty. It was established as the main religion of Nepal during its rule. After the Lichhavi defeated it, the religion was limited to the Kirat ethnicity. Kiratism is practised by the Kirat ethnic group, who live in the hilly and mountain regions of Nepal. The Kirats include Rai, Sunwar, Limbu and Yakkha.
Kiratism focuses on the worship of Nature and their ancestors (Kul devata). The Kirats have also been mentioned in the Hindu scriptures as devotees of Lord Shiva. In the scriptures, Lord Shiva himself has been known to take the Kirat form and is also worshipped as Kirateshwor Mahadev by both Hindus and Kirats. As a result, the Hindu and Kirat cultures are closely related. The Limbu people of the Kirat community are said to worship Tagera Ningwaphuma, a shapeless entity.
Christianity
Population Composition: 1.8%
Major Deities: God
Scriptures: Old Testament, New Testament, Hebrew Bible
Introduced in 1715 by Catholic Capuchin friars, Christianity is the fastest-growing religion in Nepal. Christianity is the largest religion in the world. While Christianity is divided into three types: Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, there are subtypes within them too. Most of the Christians in Nepal are Evangelical Protestants. Christianity believes in one God, and its founder is said to be Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ claimed himself to be the son of God and was here on earth to rid people of their sins.
Nepal has the fastest-growing Christian population in the world! Christianity was banned in Nepal for two centuries until the declaration of multiparty democracy in 1990. Since then, the religion has read rapidly. It has influenced many and even changed people's lives for the better. However, there have been cases of forceful conversion, which was once a topic of major concern. At present, forceful conversion is punishable by law, and only willful conversion is permitted.
Others
Aside from the major religions of Nepal, other religions have significant numbers too, but fail to show up in the statistics. The Bon religion can be found in the villages of Upper Dolpo and Mustang. It originated from Tibet and is derived from Buddhism. About 13000 followers of the Bon religion reside in the Himalayan regions of Nepal.
Sikhism is another such religion. About 7000 Sikhs reside in the country at present. After Guru Nanak spent a year meditating in Balaju, Kathmandu, in 1516, Sikhism began to spread in Nepal. Many Sikhs also entered Nepal during a conflict with the East India Company in 1849.
Jainism is probably one of the oldest religions to exist in Nepal. It dates back to 300 BCE, when Bhadrabahu spent 12 years in Nepal preaching the teachings of the Jain scriptures. Currently, there are about 3200 Jains in the country.
Religion and Travel in Nepal
Religion plays an important role in Nepal’s travel experience. Many famous places in Nepal, including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Muktinath, Janakpur, Manakamana and Pathibhara, are connected with religious and cultural traditions. Travellers visiting Nepal can experience temples, monasteries, stupas, festivals, rituals, local beliefs and community lifestyles throughout the country.
Conclusion
While the number of followers of dominant religions will remain high, the other religions of Nepal will not go unnoticed. Furthermore, new religious practices are welcome here, as it further enhances the religious diversity of Nepal. Secularism will be discussed in the future, too, but this nation remains secular at present and supports the growth and promotion of any religion in Nepal within the bounds of the law.
FAQs
What is the main religion in Nepal?
Hinduism is the main religion in Nepal. According to Nepal’s 2021 National Population and Housing Census, around 81.2% of the population follows Hinduism, making it the largest religion in the country. Hindu culture is closely connected with Nepal’s festivals, temples, rituals, family traditions, and everyday lifestyle.
Is Nepal a Hindu country or a secular country?
Nepal is a secular country. Although Hinduism is followed by the majority of the population, Nepal’s constitution recognises the country as secular and provides freedom for people to follow, practise, and protect their religion. This means Nepal does not have one official state religion, and different religious communities can practise their faith under the law.
What are the major religions in Nepal?
The major religions in Nepal are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, Christianity, Prakriti, Bon, Jainism, Sikhism, and Bahai. Among these, Hinduism has the largest number of followers, followed by Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, and Christianity. These religions reflect Nepal’s cultural diversity and the way different communities have preserved their beliefs, festivals, and traditions over generations.
Is Buddhism common in Nepal?
Yes, Buddhism is common in Nepal and is the second-largest religion in the country. Around 8.2% of Nepal’s population follows Buddhism. Nepal is also highly important for Buddhists because Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is located in Nepal. Buddhist culture is especially visible in places like Lumbini, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Namobuddha, and many Himalayan regions.
Why is Nepal important for Hinduism and Buddhism?
Nepal is important for Hinduism and Buddhism because many sacred places from both traditions are located here. For Hindus, places like Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Janakpur, Manakamana, Pathibhara, and Dakshinkali hold deep religious value. For Buddhists, Lumbini, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Namobuddha, and many monasteries are major spiritual sites. Nepal is also special because some religious places, such as Muktinath and Swayambhunath, are respected by both Hindus and Buddhists.
What are the famous religious places in Nepal?
Some of the famous religious places in Nepal are Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Lumbini, Muktinath Temple, Janakpur Dham, Manakamana Temple, Pathibhara Temple, Dakshinkali Temple, Namobuddha, Budhanilkantha, and Changunarayan Temple. These places are not only important for worship but also for culture, architecture, festivals, history, and spiritual travel.
Do tourists need to follow religious rules in Nepal?
Tourists do not need to follow a specific religion to visit Nepal, but they should respect local customs at temples, monasteries, stupas, and other sacred sites. Visitors may need to remove shoes before entering some religious places, dress modestly, avoid touching sacred objects without permission, and follow photography rules where restricted. Respecting local traditions makes the travel experience smoother and helps visitors connect better with Nepal’s culture.
