The answer to this question can be straightforward, but if you want to know the deep meaning of being a Hindu, you need to know the definition of Hindu according to Hindu scriptures and Hindu scholars.

The person can be called a Hindu if he/she:

1. Believes in salvation as the ultimate goal of life.

2. Believes in Vedas.

3. Believes in birth and rebirth.

4. Believes in God.

5. Believes that there are many ways to achieve salvation.

6. Believes that all the deities are the manifestations of God.

“Who is a Hindu” according to Bal Gangadhar Tilak?

“Acceptance of Vedas with reverence; recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are diverse; and realization of the truth that the number of gods to be worshipped is large, that indeed is the distinguishing feature of the Hindu religion.”

Indian courts also accept this definition.

In practice, there are some Hindus who do not believe in God or might believe in one God only, then aren’t they Hindus?

The formal definition might not accept them as true Hindus, but still, the person might like other aspects of Hinduism and want to follow it without such formalities. Therefore, he can be termed as a Hindu.