Religions in Chennai

A Multicultural Society

Chennai’s 7 million strong population is like the rest of India – predominantly Hindu (roughly 80% of the city’s residents follow the religion). The powerful Brahmins of the city, and indeed the state of Tamil Nadu itself, are regarded as the some of the most conservative and orthodox Brahmin sects in the country.  This was perhaps part of the reason why Chennai, for a long time in its history, had a reputation for being a narrow-minded and inward looking city.  While that has changed to some extent, the city is still for the most part a typically traditional south Indian city where customs rule. The influence of Hinduism here can be seen in many of the striking temples that dot the city.   

Moslems form a minority (close to 12% of the population), and Tamil Moslems, much like their Hindu counterparts, tend to be more orthodox than their brethren elsewhere in India. Christians form 2.5% of the population and include a sizable Anglo Indian community that was created through marriages between locals and British residents in colonial times.  The Sikhs comprise 2% of the population, while the remaining percentage is made up of a few Parsis, Buddhists, and Jains. 

Immigrant Population

Always a regional economic hub, Chennai’s recent emergence as the outsourcing center of the country has led to an increase in the numbers of North Indian communities that have chosen to move here.  People from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Gujarat have all added their unique flavors to the Chennai melting pot, creating an incredibly cosmopolitan Indian city. Chennai’s booming IT industry has also attracted a number of expatriates who live and work here.  The presence of almost every major religion here means that most religious festivals from Diwali to Christmas and Eid are celebrated with gusto.