Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Oct. 19, 2023 |
| Report Number |
R45001 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Mahendra, Sundeep |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Introduction
Hinduism (or Sanatana Dharma) is the third largest religion in the world behind Christianity and Islam, with nearly one
billion adherents. According to the Pew Research Center, about 0.7% of Americans self-identify themselves as Hindu.1
Originating on the Indian subcontinent, it is often described as a combination of many religious beliefs and
philosophical schools. "Hindu" originated as the term used by ancient Persians to describe the people who lived beyond
the Indus River Valley (in Sanskrit, "Sindhu"). The term "Hinduism" began to be more widely used by devotees on the
Indian subcontinent and throughout the world by the end of the 19th century.2
This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Hindu holidays. It contains sample
speeches and remarks from the Congressional Record, presidential proclamations and remarks, and selected historical
and cultural resources.
This is part of a series of Congressional Research Service fact sheets on religious holidays in the United States.
