In Navsari, Gujarat state, a ceremony was held to return a family to Hinduism on the occasion of Durga Ashtami, a family that had decided to change their religion about twenty years ago. This religious procedure was conducted through the performance of the Panchkundi Gayatri Mahayajna.
The family consisted of parents, three sons, and one daughter. According to Ashwin Barot, a specialist in Hindu youth affairs, this family arrived from Uttar Pradesh to Navsari approximately two decades ago. They claim that they were converted to another faith at that time under pressure of promises of housing and employment.
The family also made similar allegations in their statement. All family members participated in the religious event organized for Durga Ashtami. During the ceremony, purification rituals were performed along with the Panchkundi Gayatri Yajna. Organizers reported that thanks to this process, the family re-entered Hinduism.
Ashwin Barot specified that the event was organized with the support of the Gujarat police and the Navsari district administration, in accordance with state norms and administrative procedures. He also mentioned the intention to take legal action against those involved in the alleged change of religion. However, independent confirmation of the claims regarding the change of religion and the reasons cited is absent.
Barot stated that in the near future, about 29 other families also wish to voluntarily return to Hinduism. Furthermore, he reported that between 3 and 4 thousand people in some predominantly Muslim villages express a desire to re-adopt Hinduism. According to him, the further process will be carried out within the framework of the law.
According to Barot, an entire village is preparing to return to Hinduism, and he cited an approximate number of these people as around 4 thousand. However, these figures and statements about the upcoming return are the assertions of the organizer. He added that the identities of the respective families remain confidential for now. The organizers emphasized that subsequent steps will comply with the law and administrative procedures. Following the event held in Navsari for Durga Ashtami, attention will be paid to these statements and planned religious activities in the coming days.

