Jewish religious life in India mainly follows the Orthodox tradition and Sephardic rites, and overall, the different Jewish communities in India practice mainstream Judaism infused with local traditions and rites. This is particularly the case for the Bene Israel, who have never had their own rabbi. India’s synagogues have dwindled in the last few decades, and as a result, many communities, like the Bene Israel, do not have a rabbi and rely on visiting rabbis to help facilitate the practice of Jewish religious life.
Despite the general decline in the number of synagogues in India, there are still places of worship for almost all of India’s Jewish population. The majority of synagogues are situated in Mumbai, where Jewish religious life is largely concentrated, but the religious needs of the various Indian Jewish communities are met. There is the Shaar Hashamaim synagogue and mikveh in Thane, a synagogue in Thrissur, the Ohel David synagogue in Pune, a number of synagogues in Kerala, and the Pardesi synagogue in Kochi. In 1992, the Bene Ephraim opened their first synagogue in Kottareddipalem. Chabad Lubavitch is also quite prevalent in India, running four houses throughout the country and centering operations in Mumbai.
Kosher food is available in India – mainly in Mumbai – and shechitah is performed locally.