Organisers of a mass religious conversion ceremony in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu say about 500 new converts have now gathered there and declared themselves new Christians or new Buddhists.
Some independent observers suggest a much lower figure.
The ceremony was planned to defy a new law banning forced conversions.
Late on Thursday evening, police arrested ten people involved in organising the event.
Chanting mantras
Eye witnesses say several hundred low caste Hindus, or Dalits, have now taken part in the symbolic open-air ceremony, in defiance of a tough new anti-conversion law.
Some described new Christian converts reading aloud from Bibles they were given by organisers and new Buddhists chanting mantras.
Earlier plans had to be changed on Friday morning when police cordoned off the original venue on church property.
Christian leaders involved in organising the ceremony had said they expected about 3,000 people to attend. They claimed police had turned away some groups, telling them the event was now cancelled - although this has not been independently confirmed.
Unclear
Many people may just have been too frightened to attend. Late on Thursday evening, police arrested 10 people, involved in organising the event.
It is not yet clear what charges they face.
Christians, Buddhists and Muslims are small minorities in this state, but the recent conversions of whole low-caste Hindu communities to other religions has alarmed right-wing Hindu organisations.
Many Christians say this law is unconstitutional because it compromises the right to religious freedom.
They are also concerned the new law will be used to intimidate religious minorities and could be introduced in more states.
Some Hindu leaders accuse evangelical Christians of bribing the poor by offering inducements to convert and see the law as a way of protecting them.
Christian leaders insist the conversions are voluntary.