Bageshwar : In a significant development, four families belonging to the Christian community in Poling village of Kapkot, Bageshwar, have embraced Hinduism. The 27 members of these families participated in a traditional ceremony at the Kalabhairav temple, officially marking their return to their ancestral faith. The event was witnessed by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Sudarshan Vahini, who facilitated the process and provided support to the families.
Voluntary Conversion and Welcoming Ceremony
The families expressed their desire to return to Hinduism and participated wholeheartedly in the ceremony. Under the leadership of VHP district president Kailash Gadhia, members of the three organizations warmly welcomed the families back into the fold. As part of the ritual, each individual pledged their commitment to Hinduism by taking a holy dip in the Sarayu river and drinking its sacred water.
Generational Shift and Historical Context
Puran Singh Rawat, the VHP’s prant-cum-satsang pramukh, shared insights into the families’ history. He revealed that all four families belonged to scheduled castes and their ancestors had converted to Christianity approximately four generations ago. This conversion marked a significant shift for the families, but over time, the desire to reconnect with their ancestral faith grew stronger.
Prominent Attendees and Community Support
The ceremony was graced by several prominent figures, including:
- Mr. Harcharan Singh Brar, District President of the Congress
- Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh Marahar, Former MLA
- Mr. Amanpreet Singh Bhatti, Former District President
- Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Former District President
- Mr. Gursant Singh Brar
- Mr. Subhdeep Singh Bittu
- Mr. Randeep Singh Heer, SDM
- Mr. Jagmohan Singh Mann, Nodal Officer cum District Welfare Officer
- Ms. Anindervir Kaur, District Sports Officer
- Mr. Rajesh Grover
Their presence demonstrated the community’s support for the families’ decision and highlighted the significance of the occasion.
Returning to Roots and Reclaiming Identity
The conversion ceremony served as a powerful symbol of the families’ reconnection with their cultural heritage and spiritual roots. After generations of following Christianity, their decision to return to Hinduism represents a reclaiming of their ancestral identity and a reaffirmation of their spiritual beliefs. This event has sparked conversations within the community about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the enduring strength of religious faith.
Moving Forward with Acceptance and Integration
As the families embark on this new chapter in their lives, they are met with a welcoming community ready to support their integration and ensure their smooth transition. The ceremony marked not just a conversion, but a new beginning filled with hope and acceptance. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of cultural identity.
