Small numbers of Indians lived in Britain in colonial times, but the Hindu community grew mainly after 1947 — first through migration from Gujarat and Punjab, then through the arrival of East African Asians expelled or squeezed out of Kenya and Uganda in the 1960s and 70s. The 2021 census counted about one million Hindus in England and Wales.
History
- 1950s–60sMigration from India for work in industry and transport.
- 1968–72East African Asians arrive, including those expelled from Uganda in 1972.
- 1995The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Neasden opens — then the largest traditional Hindu temple outside India.
- 2021The census records about 1 million Hindus in England and Wales (1.7%).
Hindu life today
British Hindus are prominent in business, medicine, law and public life, and the community runs hundreds of temples, schools and charities. Diwali is celebrated in Leicester with one of the largest Diwali festivals outside India.
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Frequently asked questions
How many Hindus live in Britain?
The 2021 census counted about one million Hindus in England and Wales, around 1.7% of the population.
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Read nextNorth America and Australia — The New Hindu DiasporaSources & copyright status
- Office for National Statistics, Census 2021: religion in England and Wales
- Historical facts: not subject to copyright.
- Commentary and translations on this page: original to The Hindu Book. © The Hindu Book, all rights reserved.
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