By 2025, more than 830,000 Canadians identify as Hindu, reflecting a remarkable transformation in Canada’s religious tapestry. This change is driven by immigration, inter-generational continuity, cultural adaptation, and youth engagement. You’ll explore how the Hindu religion has taken root in Canada—from vibrant temples to multicultural festivals—highlighting how it shapes identity and community.
Understanding Indian Religions in the Canadian Context
Immigration from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian nations has fueled the rise of Indian religions in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the Hindu religion accounted for around 2.3% of the population in 2021, with continued growth in 2025. Most Hindu Canadians are concentrated in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.
Hindu temples in Canada serve as more than just sacred spaces—they’re cultural hubs preserving language, tradition, and community cohesion. Many temples also contain a shrine dedicated to key deities, where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings. Notable examples include BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto and Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton. These centers host services, educational programs, and community outreach events.
Festivals rooted in South India—like Pongal, Navaratri, and Karthigai Deepam—are joyfully observed, particularly among Tamil and Telugu communities. These South Indian festivals are a subset of the broader Hindu festival calendar, blending religious tradition with vibrant cultural expression.
Moreover, religious politics in India often shape discussions within the Canadian diaspora. Debates around pluralism, nationalism, and secular values influence how younger Hindu Canadians negotiate identity, belonging, and Canadian multicultural ideals. Many students and families also compare their experiences across faiths like Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, fostering a broader understanding of Canada’s diverse spiritual landscape.
5 Practical Tips to Practice Your Faith While Studying in Canada
If you’re studying in Canada, balancing your spiritual life with academics is crucial for your well-being and identity. Try these five practical strategies:
1. Locate nearby Hindu temples in Canada
Search for local Hindu temples in Canada, especially near your campus. Major universities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal often have accessible temples offering student-friendly services and festival transportation. Inside, you’ll often find a shrine where you can reconnect with Hindu beliefs and daily worship practices.
2. Participate in South Indian festivals with the community
Engage in South Indian festivals such as Pongal or Navaratri through student groups or cultural associations. These Hindu festivals offer spiritual meaning, free meals, music, and dance—great for social connection and celebrating your religious tradition.
3. Establish a daily spiritual routine at home
Set aside 10–15 minutes each day for meditation or puja. Carry essential items like a small deity idol or incense, or use apps such as Sattva or Insight Timer for guided chants and mindfulness. Even in private spaces, this helps reinforce your Hindu beliefs.
4. Join Hindu student associations
Your campus likely hosts a Hindu Students Association (HSA). These groups organize bhajans, pujas, interfaith panels, and cultural events—helping you grow spiritually while sharing your traditions with peers from Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and more.
5. Stay aware of religious politics in India
Understanding religious politics in India equips you to engage thoughtfully in Canadian multicultural and interfaith discussions. Follow diaspora media like OMNI TV or community newspapers for context. It’s especially relevant in a diverse setting where Buddhism and Jainism also find representation.
| Type | Example | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Temple | BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir | Toronto |
| Student Group | Hindu Students Association (HSA) | University campuses nationwide |
| App | Sattva Meditation App | Online |
Why Staying Spiritually Connected Boosts Student Life Abroad
Maintaining spiritual practices abroad supports mental health, resilience, and identity. Research from the Canadian Mental Health Association indicates students who engage in regular spiritual or religious practices report reduced stress, better focus, and stronger emotional grounding. Whether following Hindu beliefs or learning about Sikhism and Buddhism, spiritual life enhances your study experience.
Simple rituals—like chanting, lighting a diya, or temple volunteering—offer structure and community. These practices nurture a sense of belonging and help you adapt to academic and cultural transitions while remaining anchored in your religious tradition.
| Benefit | Positive Outcome |
|---|---|
| Emotional resilience | Less stress and homesickness |
| Social belonging | Community through shared traditions |
| Academic performance | Improved concentration via meditation |
| Cultural identity | Continuity with heritage |
Resources to Support Your Spiritual Journey in Canada
Moving to a new country like Canada can be an exciting yet challenging experience—especially when it comes to maintaining your spiritual and religious practices. Whether you follow Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, or Jainism, Canada offers a wide range of resources that can help you stay spiritually connected, even while you’re far from home.
This section explores digital tools, local community connections, and educational content that can support your spiritual life as an Indian student in Canada.
1. Spiritual and Religious Apps to Use Daily
In today’s digital world, maintaining a spiritual routine has never been easier. Several apps are specifically designed for people of Indian faiths, offering everything from mantras and aarti to prayer reminders and meditation tools.
Here are some of the most popular apps used by Indian students in Canada:
-
Pocket Vedabase (Hinduism): Contains Bhagavad Gita verses, audio mantras, and commentaries from ISKCON teachers.
-
Sikh World (Sikhism): Daily Hukamnama, Nitnem Path, live radio from Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), and Gurbani kirtan.
-
Muslim Pro (Islam): Accurate prayer times, Qibla direction, Quran recitation with translation, and Ramadan timings.
-
Daily Bible Inspirations (Christianity): Daily devotional quotes and scripture tailored to student life.
-
Insight Timer (Multi-faith): Offers guided meditations, chants, and spiritual talks from teachers of various traditions including Buddhism and Jainism.
These apps can become a reliable part of your morning or evening routine, helping you stay grounded amidst academic pressures.
2. Join Online Spiritual Communities and Webinars
When you’re in a new country, it’s common to miss the community feel of your local temple, mosque, or church. Fortunately, online spiritual communities can fill this gap.
Here are a few platforms where Indian students can connect with like-minded individuals:
-
YouTube Channels and Livestreams:
-
Art of Living and Isha Foundation offer live satsangs, yoga, and guided meditations.
-
SikhNet provides stories, katha, and Gurbani kirtan for young Sikh audiences.
-
Madani Channel or ILM Academy offers live religious teachings for Muslim youth.
-
-
Zoom & Facebook Live Webinars:
Many temples and religious organizations in Canada and India now offer regular online webinars or live poojas. Participating in these virtual events allows you to stay connected with your traditions—even if you’re unable to visit in person. -
Reddit, Discord & WhatsApp Groups:
There are private and public forums where Indian students discuss religious topics, share prayer times, or even host virtual group discussions. These online spaces can be helpful for both spiritual support and cultural bonding.
3. Educational Resources: Books, Podcasts & Local Libraries
Another effective way to deepen your spiritual knowledge is through educational content available both online and offline in Canada.
Books & E-books:
-
University Libraries: Many Canadian university libraries stock religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, Quran, and the Bible. They also carry books on Indian philosophy, yoga, and meditation.
-
Local Public Libraries: Libraries in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary often have multi-faith sections with books in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Urdu.
Podcasts for Indian Spirituality:
-
“Bhagavad Gita for Students” – Breaks down Gita concepts relevant to youth and stress management.
-
“The Musafir Stories” – Explores sacred travel spots across India and their cultural significance.
-
“Sikh History Podcast” – Teaches history and teachings of Sikh Gurus in an easy, student-friendly format.
These resources are perfect for listening while commuting, cooking, or even relaxing before bed.
Bonus: Leverage Student Associations & Local Organizations
Most Canadian universities have Indian student associations and faith-based clubs such as Hindu Student Council, Muslim Student Association (MSA), and Sikh Student Associations. These groups often host events like Diwali celebrations, Ramadan iftar dinners, Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Navratri garba nights—providing both spiritual and cultural support.
You can also look for local Indian cultural organizations in your city. In places like Brampton, Surrey, or Mississauga, you’ll find a dense Indian population with active religious centers that welcome student volunteers and visitors.
Conclusion
Your spiritual journey doesn’t need to pause when you move to Canada. With the right combination of digital tools, online communities, educational content, and local organizations, you can maintain your connection to faith and tradition even while adjusting to a new lifestyle. For Indian students, this spiritual grounding can offer emotional stability, community support, and a deeper sense of purpose during their time abroad.
Here is a short video help you dig deep to the history of Hinduism in Canada, click to view:
Beyond the Basics: Surprising Questions Canadians Are Asking About Hinduism (FAQs)
1. Why are more non-Hindus visiting Hindu temples in Canada?
In Canada’s pluralistic society, Hindu temples have become more than places of worship—they’re also centers of culture, meditation, and learning. Many non-Hindus are drawn to the serene environment of a shrine, or attend Hindu festivals like Diwali to experience Indian culture firsthand. Temples often host yoga classes, community meals, and interfaith dialogues, welcoming people from all backgrounds including those practicing Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
2. How are Gen Z Canadians redefining Hinduism in a digital age?
Young Canadian Hindus are blending ancient Hindu beliefs with modern digital lifestyles. TikTok and YouTube channels now feature simplified explanations of the Hindu religion, astrology, and Vedic philosophy. Some even stream live pujas or create minimalist dorm-style shrines, proving that spiritual tradition can thrive on social media.
3. Is being Hindu in Canada different from being Hindu in India?
Yes, and often in empowering ways. While Indian Hindus may experience the weight of religious politics in India, Canadian Hindus tend to enjoy more religious freedom and less societal pressure. Here, the Hindu religion is often practiced as a choice rooted in personal conviction, not social obligation—making space for unique expressions of religious tradition.
4. What’s one thing every international student should know before celebrating a Hindu festival in Canada?
Timing and cultural adaptation matter. Hindu festivals in Canada are often held on weekends—even if the actual date falls on a weekday—so more people can attend. You might find Diwali combined with Thanksgiving themes or Holi celebrated indoors due to weather. It’s not just about following the calendar—it’s about keeping Hindu traditions alive in a Canadian context.
5. Why are some Canadian Hindu families building personal shrines in their basements?
Space, privacy, and spiritual connection. As urban living becomes more compact, many Hindu families are transforming basement corners into peaceful shrines—complete with idols, incense, and LED lights. These sacred spaces offer a daily retreat from busy Canadian life and help children stay connected to Hindu beliefs without needing to travel to a temple.
References:
https://en.aniruddhacharya.com/blog/hindu-religious-beliefs-in-canada
https://en.aniruddhacharya.com/blog/hindu-religious-beliefs-in-canada
https://www.manushi.in/hindu-samaj-a-forgotten-community/
Sonia specializes in the Canadian education system, from K–12 admissions to college and university placements for international students. With hands-on experience working with schools, education consultants, and immigration advisors, she provides clear, practical advice on visas, guardianship, academic programs, and student life in Canada.