Faith in the Digital Age: How Technology is Reshaping Spirituality in India

In India, faith has always been a cornerstone of life, with 79.8% of the population identifying as Hindu, 14.2% as Muslim, and smaller yet vibrant communities of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains shaping the nation’s spiritual tapestry. Today, as the digital age sweeps across the country, spirituality is undergoing a profound transformation, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. From e-pujas to virtual temple visits, technology is making faith not just accessible but “swipeable,” redefining how India worships.

The Indian religious and spiritual market, valued at $58.56 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR until 2032, driven by over 1,077 spiritual tech startups., Platforms like VAMA and Pujashree allow users to book priests, order puja samagri, or join live-streamed rituals from temples like Kashi Vishwanath. These apps cater to a generation that values convenience without sacrificing tradition. For instance, VAMA claims over 100,000 active users and 10,000 connected religious communities, bridging urban and rural devotees.

This shift isn’t just about logistics. It’s a cultural revolution. Young Indians, often juggling fast-paced careers, are turning to apps for spiritual grounding. “It’s like ordering food,” says Priya Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru. “I can perform a Satyanarayan puja at home with everything delivered in 10 minutes.” This ease removes the “fear and rigidity” of traditional rituals, making faith feel personal and modern.

However, this digital devotion raises questions. Critics argue that commodifying faith risks diluting its essence. “Spirituality isn’t a product,” says Pandit Ramesh Shastri, a traditional priest in Varanasi. “Can an app replace the sanctity of a temple visit?” Others see opportunity. Startups like Pujashree emphasize “reminding young Indians of the sacredness within them,” blending mindfulness with technology.

In the Indian context, this trend aligns with historical adaptability. Hinduism, dating back to the 15th century BCE, has always evolved, absorbing new practices while retaining core beliefs like dharma and karma. Similarly, India’s minority faiths—Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism—are embracing tech. For example, Christian apps like YouVersion offer Bible verses in regional languages, while Islamic platforms provide prayer time alerts and Quran recitations.

Local worship is also transforming. In rural Maharashtra, community WhatsApp groups organize virtual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, blending local traditions with global connectivity. Meanwhile, urban temples in Delhi and Mumbai use social media to share live aartis, attracting diaspora devotees. This fusion of global and local mirrors India’s pluralistic ethos, where respecting other religions is as crucial as practicing one’s own.

Yet, challenges persist. Digital access remains uneven, with rural areas lagging due to connectivity issues. Moreover, the rise of spiritual tech has sparked debates about commercialization. Hindu nationalist groups, wary of “Western” influences, occasionally criticize apps for prioritizing profit over piety. Conversely, minority communities, like Christians in the Seven Sister States, leverage tech for outreach, raising tensions with groups alleging forced conversions.

For ChronicleVoice readers, this trend underscores India’s unique ability to balance tradition and innovation. As faith becomes app-enabled, it reflects a broader global shift where spirituality adapts to modern needs. Faith meets technology as India’s spiritual landscape evolves with apps offering e-pujas and virtual darshan. Explore how Millennials and Gen Z are redefining worship.