Punjab is the land where a number of religions exist in perfect harmony with each other. Sikhism and Hinduism form the major religions of the state. The other religions, like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism, also flourish, though comparatively low in proportion. Lets us check out more information on the major religions that are followed in the state of Punjab.

Religions In Punjab

Sikhism
Sikhism forms the main religion of Punjab in India. Founded by Guru Nanak Dev and other nine Gurus, it forms the fifth largest religion in the world. The main faith of Sikhism is in "Waheguru”, meaning the Universal God. The religion preaches attainment of salvation through disciplined and personal meditation of the Almighty. Sikhs worship the ten Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scripture that is revered as the eleventh and final Guru. Sikhism stresses on monotheism and non-anthropomorphic concept of God. Charity work and community services are considered to be crucial in a person's life. Hard work and true dedication is regarded as the basic guideline to lead one's life. Punjab abounds in gurdwaras, which form the principal center of worship for the Sikhs. The Golden Temple of Amritsar is a world famous pilgrimage center, which attracts flocks of devotees from across the globe.

Hinduism
Hinduism, though not as widely prevalent as the Sikhism, is a prominent religion of Punjab. In fact, it is the second most prominent religion practiced in the state. The Hindus have a liberal lifestyle and most of them even worship in gurdwaras. They are mostly into trade and commerce. The most common castes in Hinduism, as prevalent in Punjab, are Khatri (Kshatriya in Hindi), Brahman, Baniya and Rajput. The important Hindu sects are the Sanatan Dharmis, Arya Samajis, Radhaswamis, Nanak Panthis and Ecumenical Hinduism.

Islam: The Punjabis from Pakistan are Muslim. Islam plays an important role in the intellectual and social dimensions of Islamic life.

The five pillars of faith:  (1) The Shahada (Witness), (2) The Salat (Prayer), (3) The Zakat (Alms), (4) The Sawm (Fast-ing), (5) The Hajj (Pilgrimage).

Others
Islam forms another important religion in Punjab, though there is only a minority following the same. After the partition in 1947, most of the Muslims in Punjab migrated to Pakistan. Despite the few followers of Islam, one can easily find good number of mosques in the state. Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism form other minority religions of the state.