Nation of worshippers: India has one place of worship for every 400 people

India has one place of worship for every 400 people, more than the countrywide spread of educational and medical institutions put together. And it does not seem that the pattern is going to change soon.

Religious rate of growth
In the 10-year-period between 2001 and 2011, places of worship mushroomed at a faster rate (26%) than hospitals (13%) and factories (13%).

Frequent worshippers
There is little doubt that a lot of Indians like to visit places of worship — daily, weekly and on festivals. Religious visits were also the second most popular reason for travel after social visits in 2008-09 (the last year NSSO compiled data in this form).

Young & praying
Is the popularity of places of worship likely to change? Unlikely, going by surveys of religious attitudes of Indian youth.