BodhGaya-The Fight for Buddhist Rights Monks’ Protest & Hunger Strike

Bodh Gaya the sacred land where Prince Siddhartha became Buddha, the Enlightened One. A place of peace, now echoing with protest. For days, Buddhist monks have been on hunger strike, demanding full control over the Mahabodhi Temple. But why do they have to fight for what should already be theirs?

Under the Bodhgaya Temple Management Act of 1949, the temple’s governing body must have a Hindu chairman, even though this is the most sacred Buddhist site in the world. Out of nine members, only four are Buddhist, sparking outrage among monks and devotees.

• The 1949 Act mandates a Hindu chairman for a Buddhist temple.
• Monks demand full Buddhist control over the administration.
• Protests and hunger strikes have been escalating.

The movement has spread across India, from Ladakh to Assam, with thousands rallying in solidarity. International Buddhist organizations have also joined the call, signing petitions and holding vigils. But tensions escalated when fasting monks were detained, sparking global outrage.

Amid the protests, a bomb threat was issued against the Mahabodhi Temple, forcing heightened security measures. Authorities are investigating, but this has only fueled the urgency of the monks’ demands.

• Monks detained, protests intensify.
• 500+ Buddhist organizations stand in support.

Despite threats, despite opposition, the monks remain steadfast. Their hunger strike continues, their voices grow louder.

This is more than a protest it’s a fight for justice, for faith, for history. The world is watching. Will the sacred Mahabodhi Temple finally be returned to its rightful caretakers, or will history repeat itself? The answer will shape the spiritual rights of millions.