Buddhists are uniting across India in protests demanding control of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a significant Buddhist site. Monks and laypeople seek to repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, which divides control between Hindus and Buddhists. They argue that the involvement of Hindu monks in rituals contradicts Buddhist principles and that previous subtle protests have been ineffective. Rallies have spread from northern Ladakh to southern Mysuru, reflecting a strong desire for the temple's leadership to be fully entrusted to the Buddhist community.
"For once, they are not in Bodh Gaya just for a pilgrimage. They are part of a protest...demanding control of Mahabodhi Temple be handed to the community."
"Protesters include monks clad in saffron with loudspeakers and banners, demanding a repeal of the 1949 Bodh Gaya Temple Act for complete Buddhist control."
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