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- Smartphones Bring Digital Rise To Hindu Faith, Investment In Religious Startups Increased 10 Times In 1 Year, From Darshan To Puja Is Online
New Delhi9 hours ago
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Indian origin Khushboo (name changed) is in Dubai these days and has been associated with ‘Shri Mandir’ app for two months. On the advice of an astrologer from the app, he has organized virtual pujas in temples across India. This app is available for Rs 891. It allows devotees from India or abroad to perform virtual puja at any temple. Rs 101 on Vama app. There is a facility for donating lamps in Ayodhya.
These faith-based apps are adding a new dimension to India’s startup landscape. Their aim is to attract more than 110 crore Hindus living around the world including India. Manu Jain, co-founder of Vama, says, ‘The rise of such services is a result of the rapid proliferation of smartphones. However, Christian and Muslim religious startups are far ahead in statistics.
‘You Version Bible’ app providing religious services to Christians has 725 million downloads and ‘Muslim Pro’ has 100 million downloads. Hindu startups have a long way to go to match these super-apps. Hindu startups have the facility to provide the option of worshiping Gods and Goddesses. Therefore, they have the power to bring a big wave of faith.
The basis of this business model is a deep and growing religiosity. According to a 2023 survey by pollster Gallup, 80% of Indians consider religion an important part of life. The global figure is 63%.
According to research firm IMARC, India’s religious market is estimated to be around Rs 5 lakh crore annually (equivalent to 1.7% of GDP). This figure is expected to more than double by 2032. Therefore, these startups are not finding the deal a loss.
These numbers are also important…
- Religious tourism is increasing rapidly. It is estimated that 5 crore devotees will visit Ayodhya Ram temple this year.
- Visits to religious places will account for 60% of domestic tourism in 2023.
- Spending on religious travel is expected to quadruple in the next decade.
1 thousand startups are helping religious purposes
According to data provider Traxon, there are one thousand faith-based Indian startups in the country. They provide services like puja over the phone, on-screen flower offerings to the tune of devotional music and personalized horoscope matching, besides access to religious services.
