Nearly 500 Hindus convert to Buddhism in Bihar

Nearly 10 days after 200 poor Mahadalits converted to Christianity in a village near Bodh Gaya in Bihar's Gaya district, around 500 Hindus on Saturday converted to Buddhism in over half a dozen villages in Gaya, police officials said.

This is the first major case of conversion of Hindus to Buddhism in Gaya, hardly 13 kilometres from Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Buddhism, where the holiest shrine of Buddhists -- the Mahabodhi Temple.

All those who embraced Buddhism on Saturday made it clear that it was their own decision. "We have embraced Buddhism on our own will, there was neither any allurement nor any pressure," one of those who converted said. They also said that they have changed their religion for a more peaceful and prosperous life.

All those converted to Buddhism are residents of Khanjahapur, Usri, Bara, Joda Masjid, Kukra, Beldari, Bansibigha and Tapsi villages under Manpur block in Gaya, about 100 km from Patna.

"The conversion of them took place at a Buddhist temple in Khanjahapur village," the police said. Basant Mahto, a member of Bodh Gaya based Mahatma Budh Gayan Ashram played an important part in the event.