Ghar Vapsi, the re-conversion ceremony to bring converts back into the fold of Hinduism, has come to the city. Hindu Makkal Katchi, a Hindutva outfit operative in the State, said it will be reconverting 108 persons from non-Hindu families back into Hinduism on Friday.
Our reporter Udhav Naig brings us live updates from the scene.
11.40 am: Luckily traffic wasn't blocked during rush hour. The event got over without any violence.
11.30 am: Deivanayagi, a coolie worker says her entire family (who were Hindus) disowned them for being Christian.
11.28 am: Police intimidated us for converting 10 Christians to Hinduism but keep quiet when churches convert by thousands: Ravikumar
11.26 am: Those who came were coolie workers from Minjur, claim they adopted Christianity because of insistence from their landlord.
10.33 am: Rep of HMK welcomes Christians by saying there is no untouchability in Hinduism and that their sins are cleansed today.
10: 31 am: 10 Christians embrace Hinduism at Sankara Mutt. Worship Kamakshi Devi.
10: 25 am: Around 10 people have finally turned up.
The representatives of HMK says the event will happen with or without their leader. (2/2) >@ChennaiConnect>@ramyakannan
— Udhav Naig (@udhavn) >January 30, 2015
The Sankara Mutt is situated adjacent to the popular Siva temple in W.Mambalam. >@ChennaiConnect>#gharvapsi
— Udhav Naig (@udhavn) >January 30, 2015
Trustee of Sankara Mutt says anyone can come and worship in the temple. Can't stop or refuse requests to worship. >@ChennaiConnect>#gharvapsi
— Udhav Naig (@udhavn) >January 30, 2015
The scene Sanakara Mutt in West Mambalam. The usual devotees are curious about what is happening. >@ChennaiConnect>pic.twitter.com/86LYO8GVnN
— Udhav Naig (@udhavn) >January 30, 2015
Having lived in W. Mambalam for more than 25 years, Sankara Madam has been largely apolitical. (1/2) >@ChennaiConnect
— Udhav Naig (@udhavn) >January 30, 2015
Entertaining an event by a political party (Hindu Makkal Katchi) is something new. (2/) >#gharvapsi>@ChennaiConnect
— Udhav Naig (@udhavn) >January 30, 2015
9.05 am: Police regulating traffic in West Mambalam.