I am a Hindu because of sculptured cones of red kumkum powder and baskets of yellow tumeric nuggets, because of garlands of flowers and piece of broken coconut, because of the clanging of bells to announce one's arrival to God, because of the whine of the reedy nadaswaram and the beating of drums, because of the patter of bare feet against stone floors down dark corridors pierced by shaft of sunlight, because of the fragrance of incense,.the same word-faith. (p.52, Chapter 16).
The author goes on for several paragraphs describing all of the rich, sensory experiences that being a Hindu brings, and explains that all of these are embedded in him, as a part of who Pi is.
So, he is Hindu because the sensory experience of being one feels right to him, and is ingrained in him as memory.He states that he is also Hindu because of the rites and rituals that explain the universe to him. He loves the stories, rituals, explanations and rites that the Hindus practice; he is moved by their beauty, by their simple complexity and by their seamless definition of existence. For a more detailed explanation of what Hinduism entails, Pi outlines it in the chapter 16.
2. I was moved. What I had before my eyes stole into my heart and thrilled me. (p. 57, Chapter 17).
The author explains Pi's attraction to Christianity. While Pi finds the Christian "story" puzzling and alien, the priest's explanations and treatment of Pi are quite appealing to Pi. If a person receives a feeling of peace, love, and acceptance, that certainly explains why such a religion would attract him. This also demonstrates how very powerful a first impression can be.
3. I challenge anyone to understand Islam, its spirit, and not to love it. It is a beautiful religion of brotherhood and devotion. (p. 67, Chapter 19).
The author goes on to explain describing Pi's attraction to Islam by its rituals and its spirit. Pi says, "It is a beautiful religion of brotherhood and devotion.