<p>Mathura (UP): In a religious ceremony conducted with Vedic rituals at an ashram in Vrindavan, eight members of a Muslim family in the Jamunapar area of Mathura embraced Hinduism on Thursday.</p>.<p>The family members also changed their names, stating that the decision was voluntary and rooted in their ancestral faith.</p>.<p>The head of the family, 50-year-old Zakir -- who now goes by the name Jagdish -- originally hails from the Shergarh area of the district but has been living in his in-laws' village for years, running a shop.</p>.2 held for offering cash to people for religious conversion in Gujarat.<p>Speaking to the media, Jagdish said, "Our ancestors were Hindus until the Mughal era. They converted to Islam under pressure. But in mind, word, and deed, I have continued to worship Goddess Kali. The villagers still call me 'Bhagat ji'." He said the family, originally from the Gurjar community, had been contemplating a return to their roots for the past three years. "We took this step with full faith in Hinduism, without any pressure or inducement," he added.</p>.<p>The conversion was facilitated by Hindu Yuva Vahini at Bhagwat Dham Ashram in Vrindavan's Shri Ji Vatika Colony. The family, including Jagdish's wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, participated in a one-hour long havan-yajna ritual.</p>.<p>Post conversion, their names were changed as follows: Zakir to Jagdish, his wife Guddi to Gudiya, elder son Anwar to Sumit, younger son Runwar to Rameshwar, daughter-in-law Sabira to Savitri, and grandchildren Sabir, Zoya, and Neha to Shatrughan, Saraswati, and Sneha, respectively.</p>.<p>Sharad Saini, a Hindu Yuva Vahini activist, said the family underwent purification with Ganga water and were dressed in saffron scarves before the ceremony.</p>.<p>"They took this step entirely of their own will. Even the children were fully supportive and happy about returning to their ancestral religion," he said.</p>.<p>Vrindavan Kotwali in-charge Prashant Kapil said, "The entire process was voluntary and peaceful. No coercion or allurements was involved, and there was no need for any police action." </p>
<p>Mathura (UP): In a religious ceremony conducted with Vedic rituals at an ashram in Vrindavan, eight members of a Muslim family in the Jamunapar area of Mathura embraced Hinduism on Thursday.</p>.<p>The family members also changed their names, stating that the decision was voluntary and rooted in their ancestral faith.</p>.<p>The head of the family, 50-year-old Zakir -- who now goes by the name Jagdish -- originally hails from the Shergarh area of the district but has been living in his in-laws' village for years, running a shop.</p>.2 held for offering cash to people for religious conversion in Gujarat.<p>Speaking to the media, Jagdish said, "Our ancestors were Hindus until the Mughal era. They converted to Islam under pressure. But in mind, word, and deed, I have continued to worship Goddess Kali. The villagers still call me 'Bhagat ji'." He said the family, originally from the Gurjar community, had been contemplating a return to their roots for the past three years. "We took this step with full faith in Hinduism, without any pressure or inducement," he added.</p>.<p>The conversion was facilitated by Hindu Yuva Vahini at Bhagwat Dham Ashram in Vrindavan's Shri Ji Vatika Colony. The family, including Jagdish's wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, participated in a one-hour long havan-yajna ritual.</p>.<p>Post conversion, their names were changed as follows: Zakir to Jagdish, his wife Guddi to Gudiya, elder son Anwar to Sumit, younger son Runwar to Rameshwar, daughter-in-law Sabira to Savitri, and grandchildren Sabir, Zoya, and Neha to Shatrughan, Saraswati, and Sneha, respectively.</p>.<p>Sharad Saini, a Hindu Yuva Vahini activist, said the family underwent purification with Ganga water and were dressed in saffron scarves before the ceremony.</p>.<p>"They took this step entirely of their own will. Even the children were fully supportive and happy about returning to their ancestral religion," he said.</p>.<p>Vrindavan Kotwali in-charge Prashant Kapil said, "The entire process was voluntary and peaceful. No coercion or allurements was involved, and there was no need for any police action." </p>