Hinduism in Portugal
There is relatively little history of active practice of Hinduism in Portugal. Presently there is a Hindu community of approximately 9,000 persons, which largely traces its origins to Indians who emigrated from the former Portuguese colonies of Lusophone Africa, particularly from Mozambique, and from the former colony of Goa and other possessions in Portuguese India[1].
Hindus in Portugal are, according to the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, mainly Gujaratis (Gujarati is taught at the Hindu Community Cultural Centre, in Lisbon), Punjabis and Goans. The majority of the Hindus live in the capital city, Lisbon. A known member of the community is the politician Narana Coissoró.
Hindu groups in Portugal
Gujaratis moved to Mozaqmbique under colonial rule, and after independence in 1974, some moved to Portugal. Since the 1980s, Gujaratis have emigrated to Portugal directly from their homeland.
Goans first emigrated to Portugal in 1961, following the independence of the city from Portuguese colonialism. They also built up a community in Mozambique before its independence, and then moved to Portugal. A liberal immigration policy and citizenship given to families of former Portuguese subjects in Goa has allowed their numbers to rise in Portugal.
Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been present in Portugal since slightly before their respective independences in 1954 and 1961. Punjabis, who were subjects of British rather than Portuguese colonialism, have recently begun emigration to Portugal.
Hindu organisation in Portugal
The "Hindu Community of Portugal" (Portuguese: Comunidade Hindu de Portugal), a Hindu organization, was founded in 1982 [2]. There is also a Hindu temple, called Templo Hindu Radha Krishna, located at the Mahatma Gandhi alameda in Lisbon.
References
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