Thousands of Buddhists in Ladakh staged a hunger strike on March 4 in solidarity with ongoing protests at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, in the northern Indian state of Bihar.
AsiaNews reported that the Monks have been fasting since February 12, demanding reforms in the temple’s administration, which they claim marginalizes the Buddhist community.
The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka, marks the Buddha’s enlightenment.
However, its management is governed by a 1949 law that gives Hindus a majority on its nine-member committee.
Protesters are calling for a review of the law to place the temple entirely under Buddhist control, removing state interference.
“The ongoing debates over the Mahabodhi Temple Management Act of 1949 reveal a deeper issue of representation and religious governance,” said Bhikkhu Sanghasena, spiritual director of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.
“Its governance structure, which originally had a Hindu majority and was later modified to ensure equal representation of Hindus and Buddhists, has long been a point of contention,” he added.
He argued that “places of worship are typically governed by their respective religious communities,” citing the Ram Mandir and Jama Masjid.
“The demand for exclusive Buddhist control over the Mahabodhi Temple is reasonable and justified,” hge said.
Despite growing pressure, the Indian government has yet to respond. Protesters accuse Bihar authorities of intimidation and mismanagement of donations.
The strike has gained support from over 500 organizations, including the All India Buddhist Forum and the Ladakh Buddhist Association, with international backing from Buddhist communities across Asia, North America, and Mongolia.
