Hinduism in Guyana

Hinduism is followed by 24.8 % of the people of Guyana.[1]Guyana has the highest percentage of Hindus in the Western Hemisphere.

Central Vaidik Mandir, Georgetown, Guyana

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Demographics
* 3 Public Holidays
* 4 Temples
* 5 See also
* 6 References

## History

With the need for labor, after the slave emancipation within British territory in 1834,Indians were recruited for Guiana and other British West Indian territories. Upon arrival, they were forced to adapt to extreme tropical conditions, along with their new working contract and working conditions. Between 1835 and 1918, 341,600 indentured laborers were imported into British Guiana from India.[2]

From 1852,Christian missionaries attempted to convert East Indians during the indenture period, but met with little success.When Christian missionaries started proselytizing in the villages, Brahmins started administering spiritual rites to all Hindus regardless of caste.aThis also caused the breakdown of the caste system.

Since the late 1940s, reform movements caught the attention of many Guyanese Hindus. In 1910,Arya Samaj arrived in Guyana .Arya Samaj doctrine rejects the idea of caste and the exclusive role of Brahmins as religious leaders. The movement preaches monotheism and opposition to the use of images in worship as well as many traditional Hindu rituals.After the 1930s, Hindu conversions to Christianity slowed because the status of Hinduism improved and the discrimination against Hindus diminished.

The Arya Samajis often did not get along with the Sanātanīs (orthodox Hindus), but today many have put those differences aside.[3][4]

## Demographics

Hinduism has been decreasing for many decades .It was followed by 35.0% in 1991,it decreased to 28.4% in 2002[5].It further decreased to 24.8% in 2012.[6]

Year | Percent | Decrease

|
|

1991 | 35.0% |
2002 | 28.4% | -6.6%
2012 | 24.8% | -3.6%

According to the 2002 census,the population of Hindus by region in Guyana[7]:

Region | Percent of Hindus

|

Barima-Waini | 8.1%
Pomeroon-Supenaam | 37.3%
Essequibo Islands-West Demerara | 46.5%
Demerara-Mahaica | 24.4%
Mahaica-Berbice | 39.0%
East Berbice-Corentyne | 46.4%
Cuyuni-Mazaruni | 5.6%
Potaro-Siparuni | 6.4%
Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo | 0.5%
Upper Demerara-Berbice | 4.7%

Tamil (Madrasi) Hindus forms the majority in East Berbice-Corentyne region[8].

Although 39.8% of the Guyana's population is East Indian,only 24.8% are Hindus.[9]

## Public Holidays

Holi-Phagwah and Diwali are National Holidays in Guyana.[10]

## Temples

* Central Vaidik Mandir
* Tain Hindu Mandir

## See also

* Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago
* Hinduism in Belize
* Hinduism in Suriname
* Hinduism in French Guiana

## References

1. ↑ https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/269230.pdf
2. ↑ Despres, Leo, "Differential Adaptions and Micro-Cultural Evolution in Guyana," Southwestern Journal of Anthropology, 25:1, 22.
3. ↑ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_in_South_America#/editor/6
4. ↑ http://www.guyanaundersiege.com/cultural/hindus of south america.htm
5. ↑ http://www.statisticsguyana.gov.gy/pubs/Chapter2_Population_Composition.pdf
6. ↑ https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/269230.pdf
7. ↑ http://www.statisticsguyana.gov.gy/pubs/Chapter2_Population_Composition.pdf
8. ↑ https://books.google.ca/books?id=rBkiZSDl9V8C&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=madrasi+guyana+region&source=bl&ots=91T46fMjqf&sig=bjyCtKAhK-94LUyPakXs3uQ65bI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiw4Int2ujbAhVh3IMKHSf8ALUQ6AEIJzAA#v=onepage&q=madrasi guyana region&f=false
9. ↑ https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/269230.pdf
10. ↑ https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2007/90256.htm

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