<P> Dietary habits are significantly influenced by religion . Almost one - third of Indians practice lacto - vegetarianism . Vegetarianism is less common amongst Sikhs and almost uncommon amongst Muslims, Christians, Bahá'ís, Parsis, and Jews . Jainism requires monks and laity, from all its sects and traditions, to be vegetarian . Furthermore, the religion also bars Jains from eating any vegetable that involves digging it from the ground . This rule, therefore, excludes potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, peanuts, raddish etc. from Jain diet . Islam and Judaism bar pork . </P> <P> Occasions like birth, marriage, and death involve what are often elaborate sets of religious customs . In Hinduism, major life - cycle rituals include annaprashan (a baby's first intake of solid food), upanayanam ("sacred thread ceremony" undergone by upper - caste youths), and shraadh (paying homage to a deceased individual). According to the findings of a 1995 national research paper, for most people in India, a betrothal of a young couple placing an expectation upon an exact date and time of a future wedding was a matter decided by the parents in consultation with astrologers . A significant reduction in the proportion of arranged marriages has however taken place since 1995, reflecting an incremental change . </P> <P> Muslims practice a series of life - cycle rituals that differ from those of Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists . Several rituals mark the first days of life--including the whispering call to prayer, first bath, and shaving of the head . Religious instruction begins early . Male circumcision usually takes place after birth; in some families, it may be delayed until after the onset of puberty . </P> <P> Marriage requires a payment by the husband to the wife, called Meher, and the solemnisation of a marital contract in a social gathering . After burial of the dead, friends and relatives gather to console the bereaved, read and recite the Quran, and pray for the soul of the deceased . Indian Islam is distinguished by the emphasis it places on shrines commemorating great Sufi saints . </P>

How many different religions are there in india