Paper short abstract:

Ethnographically grounded, this presentation intends to reflect upon the process of Hinduism recognition in Portugal through two different lenses: one that analyses the recognition of Hinduism in this country; and another that presents the current Hindu religious and cultural practices as well as their transformations among Portuguese society.

Paper long abstract:

The increasing of migration flows and recent religious diversity in Portugal influenced the process of constructing symbolic universes and modes of being in the world. Ethnographically grounded, this presentation intends to reflect upon the process of Hinduism recognition in Portugal through two different lenses: one that analyses the recognition of Hinduism in this country; and another that presents the current Hindu religious and cultural practices as well as their transformations among Portuguese society. Though grounded on long term ethnography, we will focus on case studies of temple institutionalization in two different areas. This will give an account of the processes of Hindus' adaptation to the host society either those who traveled from India or Africa, or the generations born and raised in Portugal In conclusion it is important to understand the role of the Portuguese State in regard to the management of religious diversity, particularly concerning South Asian communities, and the manner in which these interact with national and European identities.