Hinduism in Meghalaya
Hinduism is a minority religion in the Meghalaya state of India constituting 12% of the state's population. The Nartiang Durga Temple in Meghalaya is one of the 51 Shakti peethas on Earth and is considered by Hindus of Meghalaya as the permanent abode of Goddess Durga. Hinduism is a popular religion practice by Rabhas, Hajongs, Kochs, Rajbongshis, Mikirs, Bengalis, Nepalis, Biharis etc. Tradition. Festivals. Hinduism is practiced by different groups of Meghalaya. Hindus celebrate many festivals in Meghalya. Diwali, Behdienkhlam, Navaratri, etc. are celebrated by people. Navaratri and other Goddess Pujas are celebrated mainly by Bengali  people. Diwali is celebrated by almost all Hindus. Behdienkhlam is celebrated by Pnar/Jaintia Hindus with Niamatre believers. In Jowai, Behdienkhlam is a harvest festival celebrate by Hindus and Niamatre believers. This festival is popular among non-Christian Pnar people(Jaintia). Many other Hindu festivals celebrate Hindus like Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Holi, Navaratri,etc. Important Temples and Shrines. In Meghalaya, there is Shaktipeeth at Jaintia hills in Nartiang. Here, Shakti is worshipped as Jayanti and Bhairava is worshipped as Kamadishwar. There many native Brahmins who caretakes temple and organises ritual programs. According to people, this Shakti peetha is only one on  Earth which is abode of Durga Hajong Tradition. Hajong people practice Hinduism from long time. They worship specific Avatars(equivalent to Hindu deities). Ex.- Dyao is derived from Sanskrit word- (देव Deva,modern Indian languages- Dev/Deo). Rabha people. Rabha people's religious world is pervaded with various spirits and natural objects. The main deity of the Rabhas is called Rishi. Rishi, for the forest Rabhas as well as village Rabhas, is a male deity. He is also known as Mahakal. Forest Rabhas worship him in all important social and religious ceremonies. Demographics. Hinduism constituted 13.27 percent of Meghalaya's population  in 2001 and it decreased to 11.53 percent in 2011. Hindus are mainly found in West Garo Hills district with 19%, East Khasi Hills District with 17.50% and the Ri-Bhoi District with 12%. Hinduism is followed by 42% of the population of Shillong. Percentage in Groups. According to 2011 census there are 342,078 Hindus living in Meghalaya accounting constituting 11.53% of the state population after Christianity. Hinduism is practiced by these following groups:-