Is Hinduism a religion or way of life

Hinduism is often said to be not a religion but a way of life.<br>But what does that even mean? <br>As per my observations I think it is a religion.<br>It has a pantheon of gods, a body of scriptures, laws , rules , customs, traditions , and vratas. So it can be safely classified as a religion. <br>Even the term religion is loosely defined . <br>Let’s discuss.<br><br>Edit- why are there downvotes? This is a simple discussion thread. I am a Hindu myself. By calling Hinduism a religion we can fulfill the terms and conditions, to exist as a minority religion in a country .