Over a Dozen Families Return to Hinduism at Religious Ceremony in Karnataka

BM TEAM

Chikkaballapur, Karnataka – More than 15 families who had previously converted to Christianity formally embraced Hinduism again in a religious ceremony held in the Chikkaballapur district. The event, which took place at the Ashwathnarayana Temple in Vidurashwatha, Gauribidanur Taluk, was organised under the leadership of local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinarayana Reddy.

The reconversion programme, often referred to as “Ghar Wapsi” by some groups, included traditional rituals such as special poojas and sacred fire offerings (homa-havana). Participants came from several nearby villages, including Nagasandra, Gandhinagar, Kadirenahalli, and Kodigenahalli.

This event follows ongoing national conversations around religious identity and conversion. In March, right-wing commentator and Yuva Brigade founder Chakravarthy Sulibele sparked debate after advocating for increased efforts to encourage reconversion to Hinduism. Speaking at a Hindu gathering in Mangaluru, Sulibele called for a strategic shift away from what he termed “love jihad” narratives and instead urged the community to focus on training youth to promote religious return efforts, especially among women.

His statements, circulated widely on social media, drew both support and backlash. While critics argued that such campaigns risk deepening religious divisions, supporters described them as efforts to undo past conversions.

The ceremony in Chikkaballapur adds to a series of similar events taking place across the state, reflecting the complex and sensitive nature of religious affiliation in contemporary India.