ACultural Hindu is a religiously unobservant individual who identifies withHinduism, usually due to family background.[1]
Emory University professorJohn Y. Fenton defines the locution as follows:[1]
The term "cultural Hindu" generally refers toDesis with a Hindu family background who have low observance of religious practices and whose identification with the Hindu religious tradition is primarily cultural or communal.[1]
The term has come into vogue as a result ofsecularization.[2] Cultural Hindus, while not religiously devout, may still observe and celebrateHindu festivals, such asDiwali.[3] For these individuals, this commemoration of Hindu festivals, as well as occasionaltemple attendance, serve as a celebration of their heritage.[4]
The term "cultural Hindu" refers to Indians with a Hindu family background who have low observance of religious practices and whose identification with the Hindu religious tradition is primarily cultural or communal.
Terms such as "cultural Christian," "cultural Moslem," or "cultural Hindu" express the reality of seculariztion, where labels imply family descent, but not any practices.