15 Christians in India reconvert to Hinduism after counselling

Fifteen Dalit Christians have reportedly been reconverted to Hinduism in a ceremony conducted near Latheri, Katpadi.

The ceremony, which is called 'ghar wapsi' (homecoming), was planned and organized by the Hindu Munnani, and held at an Amman temple in Chengimottur, Vellore district.

The 15 Christians, who belong to five families, underwent counseling for some time. Hindu Munnani told them that they need to comeback to Hinduism. 

After counseling, the professing Christians expressed their desire to reconvert, and so the 'ghar wapsi' was scheduled.

"This is the first 'ghar wapsi' ceremony in Vellore district," said K. Magesh, who is the zonal president of Hindu Munnani in Vellore. Magesh added that the group converted to Christianity about eight to 10 years ago.

The families were involved in farming, and are living in Adi Dravidar Colony in Chengimottur, Latheri.

According to a report by UCAN India, Magesh plans to organize even more reconversion ceremonies within the Vellore district as he plans to reconvert Christians back to Hinduism.

"We will organize the (Ghar Vapasi) ritual in various parts of the district," the zonal president said.

Magesh also said that they did not hold such ceremonies in the past because they cause politics-related controversies.

K. Bhaktavachalam, the state organizer of Hindu Munnani, was also in attendance in the ceremony. The Hindu Munnani also invited some families from the community to witness the reconversion.

Christianity is mostly considered an abomination to the gods of the predominantly-Hindu country. Christians are often discriminated against, abused and deprived of their rights in the society. 

The Hindu Munnani, is a group founded in the 1980s that aims to promote Hinduism and strengthen the Hindu faith of Indians. It also aims to protect old Hindu monuments and opposes the right-wing Islamists.