With the advancement of modernity and progressive rationalisation, there is visible decline in the institutional dimension of religion. Pluralism has gained prominence in various spheres of social life and so is pluralism visible in the sphere of religion too. Therefore, we increasingly witness new forms of religious expression in most societies.  Especially in the 1960s and 1970s, cults represented particularly intense forms of religious experimentation that spoke to widespread feelings of dissatisfaction with materialism, militarism and conventional religiosity. They were essentially new religious social forms.

Dawson (1998) has characterized this new religious sensibility in terms of six key characteristics:

1. Individualistic: unlike conventional religious beliefs and moral codes which focus on transcendent or external spiritual beings, in the new religious sensibility the locus of the sacred is found within. The goal of religious practice is therefore not to conform to externally imposed codes of behaviour but to express the inner authenticity of personal identity.
2. Experiential: rather than focusing on formal religious beliefs, doctrines and ritual practices, the emphasis is on attaining direct spiritual experiences through practices of spiritual transformation such as meditation or yoga.
3. Pragmatic: the approach to religious authority is not one of submission but of pragmatic evaluation of the authority’s ability to facilitate spiritual transformation
4. Relativistic: rather than exclusive adherence to a particular doctrine or tradition, the attitude is one of tolerance and acceptance towards other religious perspectives, even to the point of syncretistically borrowing and blending the appealing elements of a variety of different traditions.
5. Holistic: unlike the dualisms of conventional religious belief (God/human, spirit/body, good/evil, human/nature, etc.), the emphasis is on the holistic interconnectness of all things.
6. Organizationally open and flexible: instead of the traditional commitments to a religious organization or faith, there is a tendency to model the interaction in the form of clients seeking and receiving services in order to maximize individual choice in how the spirtitual practice is pursued.

Forms of New Religious Movements in India:

1. Sects:

   - Sects are small religious groups that break away from larger, established religions.

   - The Arya Samaj, which emerged in the 19th century as a reformist sect within Hinduism, emphasizing monotheism and social reform.

2. Cults:

   - Cults are often characterized by devotion to a charismatic leader or unique belief system.

   - The Osho movement, led by Shree Rajneesh (Osho), gained prominence in 1970s and blended Eastern spirituality with Western ideas.

3. Secularization:

   - Secularization refers to the process by which religion loses its influence in society and becomes less important in people''s lives. Bryan Wilson argue that NRMs are features of societies experiencing secularisation, and they may be seen as a response to a situation in which religious values have lost social pre-eminence.

   - Example: The decline in traditional religious practices among urban, educated Indians as they embrace a more secular and materialistic lifestyle.

4. Religious Revivalism:

   - Religious revivalism involves a resurgence of interest in traditional religious practices and beliefs.

   - Example: The Ramakrishna Mission aimed to revitalize Hindu spirituality and promote religious tolerance.

5. Religious Fundamentalism:

   - Religious fundamentalism is marked by a strict adherence to traditional religious doctrines and a rejection of modern secular values.

   - Example: Movements by Bhindranwale till the events of 1984.

6. New Age Movements:

   - New Age movements are eclectic spiritual movements that often draw from various religious and esoteric traditions.

   - Example: The Art of Living Foundation, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, which promotes yoga, meditation, and spiritual well-being.

7. UFO Religions:

   - A UFO religion is any religion in which the existence of extraterrestrial (ET) entities operating unidentified flying objects (UFOs) is an element of belief.  

   - Example: The Aetherius Society incorporates elements of UFO beliefs into its religious teachings.

Orientations of New Religious Movements:

1. Charismatic Leadership: Many NRMs are led by charismatic figures who inspire devotion and loyalty among their followers.
2. Syncretism: NRMs often blend elements from multiple religious traditions, creating syncretic belief systems.
3. Alternative Spirituality: NRMs may offer alternative spiritual paths and practices that appeal to individuals seeking non-traditional experiences.
4. Social Transformation: Some NRMs aim to bring about societal change, advocating for social justice, equality, or environmental sustainability.
5. Esoteric Knowledge: NRMs frequently claim access to hidden or esoteric knowledge that distinguishes them from mainstream religions.
6. Adaptability: NRMs are often flexible and adaptive, willing to evolve in response to changing cultural and social contexts.
7. Controversy: NRMs can be controversial due to their unconventional beliefs or practices, leading to both supporters and critics.

New religious movements encompass a wide array of beliefs, practices, and orientations. They reflect the ever-evolving human quest for spirituality, meaning, and connection in a rapidly changing world. While some NRMs attract devoted followers and thrive, others fade into obscurity, highlighting the dynamic nature of religious innovation in society.