Navigating Cultural Assimilation and Religious Continuity: The Hindu Diaspora in America and Its Impact on Second-Generation Hindu Americans

The Hindu diaspora in the United States has undergone a multifaceted journey of cultural assimilation while striving to preserve its religious and cultural heritage. Since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, there has been a significant influx of Hindu immigrants, particularly professionals in sectors such as technology, medicine, and academia. Institutional structures, including temples and cultural organizations, have facilitated the retention of religious practices and the transmission of cultural values. However, these processes have evolved, especially for second-generation Hindu Americans, who face the challenge of balancing dual identities in a multicultural, yet predominantly secular, society. This paper examines the role of community spaces, intergenerational dynamics, and the adaptation of Hinduism to American life, with a focus on how Hindu Americans maintain their religious traditions while integrating into U.S. society. Additionally, it explores how second-generation Hindu Americans navigate the pressures of cultural assimilation and religious continuity, ultimately shaping their unique hybrid identities. The analysis draws upon theoretical frameworks from diaspora studies, transnationalism, and identity formation.