The Digital Transformation of Hindu Faith: Online Darshan and Worship Drive 10x Growth in Religious Startup Investments in Just One Year
Khushboo (name changed), of Indian origin, is currently in Dubai and has been associated with the ‘Shri Mandir’ app for the past two months. Based on the advice of an astrologer from the app, she has organized virtual worship sessions in temples across India.
The app is available for ₹891 and allows devotees from India or abroad to conduct virtual worship in any temple. Additionally, the app offers the option to make a donation for lighting a lamp in Ayodhya for ₹101.
New Dimensions in Faith-Based Apps
These faith-based apps are adding a new dimension to India’s startup landscape. Their goal is to attract over 1.1 billion Hindus living worldwide, including in India.
Manu Jain, co-founder of Vama, states, “The increase in such services is a result of the rapid proliferation of smartphones.” However, Christian and Muslim religious startups are significantly ahead in this sector.
Challenges for Hindu Startups in the Faith-Based App Market
The ‘YouVersion Bible’ app for Christians boasts 725 million downloads, while ‘Muslim Pro’ has 100 million downloads. Hindu startups have a long way to go to match these super apps. However, Hindu startups offer options for worshipping various deities, giving them the potential to harness a significant wave of devotion.
Deepening Religious Sentiment Drives Business Models
This business model is grounded in deepening and growing religiosity. According to a 2023 survey by Pollster Gallup, 80% of Indians consider religion an important part of their lives, compared to a global figure of 63%.
Research firm IMARC estimates that India’s religious market is worth approximately ₹5 trillion annually (about 1.7% of GDP), with projections suggesting that this figure could more than double by 2032. Therefore, this opportunity appears promising for these startups.
The Growing Importance of Religious Tourism
Religious tourism is experiencing rapid growth, with an estimated 50 million devotees expected to visit the Ayodhya Ram Temple this year. In 2023, trips to religious sites will account for 60% of domestic tourism. Furthermore, spending on religious travel is projected to quadruple over the next decade.
1,000 Startups Aiding Religious Endeavors
According to data provider Tracxn, there are approximately 1,000 faith-based Indian startups in the country. These startups offer services that provide access to religious services, including on-phone worship, devotional music playlists, and personalized horoscope matching, along with features like offering flowers on screen.
