Introduction

Traditionally diaspora was a term associated with the dispersion of Jewish people following their expulsion from the Holy Land and was often associated with pain, tragedy and loss and exile. However, over time the term diaspora has evolved to include a wide range of scattered groups. In the diaspora 'pioneering movements of the nineteenth century' has played an important role 'in helping the diaspora Hindus to adapt themselves to a new environment'. This is most noticeable in South Africa, Trinidad and Fiji at the turn of the century as the Arya Samaj movement in India sought to influence religiosity in these regions. The Samaj believed that migrants were being strayed from the path of Hinduism and they worked diligently to revive Hindu beliefs and principles. In the diaspora, religious worship in the home has played an important role in sustaining the bonds of Hinduism. Regional variation of migrants had an impact on the early development of Hinduism in the diaspora.