Hindus today continue to be influenced by historical ideas of acceptability of conversion. Hence, many Hindus continue to believe that Hinduism is an identity that can only be had from birth, while many others continue to believe that anyone who follows Hindu beliefs and practices is a Hindu, and many believe in some form of both theories. However, as a reaction to perceived and actual threat of evangelization, proselytization, and conversion activities of other major religions many modern Hindus are opposed to the idea of conversion.
Hindus in Western countries generally accept and welcome willing converts, whereas in India acceptance of willing converts is becoming more common.With the rise of Hindu revivalist movements, reconversions to Hinduism have also risen.
Reconversions are well accepted since conversion out of Hinduism is not recognized.
Conversion into Hinduism through marriage is well accepted and often expected to enable the non-Hindu partner to fully participate in their spiritual, religious, and cultural roles within the larger Hindu family and society.
There is no formal process for converting to Hinduism, although in many traditions a ritual called dīkshā ("initiation") marks the beginning of spiritual life. A ritual called shuddhi ("purification") sometimes marks the return to spiritual life after reconversion. Most Hindu sects do not seek converts, as they believe that the goals of spiritual life can be attained through any religion, as long as it is practiced sincerely. However, some Hindu sects and affiliates such as Arya Samaj, Saiva Siddhanta Church, BAPS, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness(ISKON), accept those who have a desire to follow Hinduism. Recently a successful Hollywood actress, Julia Roberts converted to Hinduism.
