Hindu communities in Dharampur and Kaprada talukas of Valsad district have drawn a firm line ahead of Christmas, demanding that the administration allow Christmas celebrations only for those officially registered as Christians in government records. The demand, articulated through formal applications to the Mamlatdar’s office, stems from growing fears among local Hindus that Christmas events are being systematically used as a cover for illegal religious conversions and cultural erosion.
Over the past few days, Hindu leaders from more than ten villages have submitted memoranda via organisations such as Dev Birsa Sena and Adivasi Sanskriti Bachao Sena, urging the administration to introduce strict verification mechanisms before granting permission for any Christmas-related programme on December 25.
The memoranda submitted to the authorities allege that missionaries and pastors routinely arrive in Janjati villages during December, organising Christmas celebrations, peace festivals, prayer meetings, and seminars. According to local Hindus, these gatherings go far beyond religious celebrations and are aimed at proselytising vulnerable Janjati populations.
The core demand raised by Hindu organisations is unambiguous:
- Permission for Christmas programmes should be granted only after organisers produce certificates proving they are legally registered Christians
- Authorities must verify official government records before issuing any permission
- If a village has no officially recorded Christian population, there should be no justification for organising Christian religious programmes there
Hindu leaders insist this demand is not anti-Christian, but a measure to prevent illegal, inducement-based conversions.
During OpIndia’s visit to villages in Dharampur taluka, a striking pattern became evident. As one moves deeper into remote Janjati areas, the number of churches increases, even in villages where official records show either a negligible or zero Christian population.
Several locals pointed out that illegal churches have previously been constructed on government land without permission in these regions. Despite repeated complaints, many such structures continue to function as religious centres.
Gadina village, located just two kilometres from the Maharashtra border, has a population of approximately 1,400 people. According to village leaders, not a single resident is officially recorded as Christian in government documents. Yet, a church stands in the village and regularly hosts programmes.
Speaking to OpIndia, Pilubhai Chaudhary, a local Hindu leader, said:
“These churches are built illegally and later become hubs for conversion. First, innocent Janjati Hindus are invited. Then they are told not to worship Hindu gods, not to go to temples, and slowly they are cut off from their roots.”
Villagers allege that missionaries promise miracles, claim to cure illnesses, offer financial inducements, and encourage attendees to bring more people, creating a cycle of covert conversions. One of the most serious concerns raised by Hindu residents is what they describe as “invisible” or “paperless” conversions.
According to village leaders:
- Many Janjatis adopt Christian practices but do not formally change their religion in government records
- They continue to be listed as Hindus while practising Christianity
- They continue availing government benefits meant for Hindu Janjatis
- Over time, Hindu customs, festivals, temples, and sacred spaces disappear
This, locals argue, explains the contradiction visible on the ground large churches mushrooming across villages, but official data showing almost no Christian population.
Hindu organisations stress that the issue is not confined to Dharampur and Kaprada alone. Similar patterns have been observed across the eastern Janjati belt of South Gujarat, including:
- Dang and Tapi districts
- Janjati pockets of Umarpada and Dediapada in Surat district
In several villages, Hindus claim they have already become minorities, with temples falling into disuse and Janjati sacred sites being destroyed or altered. A particularly disturbing incident came to light in 2022 in Songadh, where an ancient Janjati sacred site was demolished and replaced with a shrine dedicated to Mother Mary an episode that continues to fuel anger and fear among Janjati Hindus.
Hindu leaders repeatedly emphasised that their opposition is not rooted in hatred towards Christianity, but in the desire to protect Janjati culture, faith, and identity.
“If Christians are living in a village, no one is stopping them from celebrating Christmas,” said one village leader. “But if there are none on record, why are religious programmes being organised there at all?”. The demand, they say, is a preventive measure to ensure transparency and accountability, not religious discrimination.
