Hinduism in Guyana
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History
After the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act in the British Empire, the need for labour led to the recruitment of Indians in Guyana and other British West Indian territories. Upon arrival, the new workers had to adapt to the extreme tropical conditions, along with their new contracts and working conditions. Between 1835 and 1918, 341,600 indentured labourers were imported into British Guyana from India.
From 1852, Christian missionaries attempted to convert East Indians during the indentured servitude period, but this was met with little success. In response to Christian proselytizing, Hindu priests and monks began administering spiritual rites to all Hindus.
In the late 1940s, reform movements caught the attention of many Guyanese Hindus. In 1910, Arya Samaj arrived in Guyana.
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Demographics
Hinduism had been slowly decreasing for many decades. In 1991, 35.0% of the Guyanese population adhered to Hinduism, decreasing to 28.4% in 2002, 24.8% in 2012 but increasing to 31.0% in 2020.
Geographical distribution of Hindus
Tamil (Madrasi) Hindus forms the majority in East Berbice-Corentyne region and practice Caribbean Shaktism.
According to the 2012 census, 39.8% of the Guyana's population is of East Indian origin and 24.8% are Hindus. The remainder is mostly Muslim (6.8%) or Christian (62.7%).
Public Holidays
Holi-Phagwah and Deepavali are National Holidays in Guyana.
Temples
- Tain Hindu Mandir
- Central Vaidik Mandir
- Sita Ram Toolsie Vade Ganesh Mandir
- Shree Maha Kali Devi Temple
- Edinburgh Shree Krishna Mandir
- Hampton Court Mandir
- D'Edward Vighneshwar Mandir