Why people go on pilgrimages

jayree, thank you for this addition to the Forum resources and the message it delivers. That said, I was both pleased and disappointed. Pleased in that there was adequate coverage of both the Haj and the Camino, with a smattering on Iona. Disappointed the Western Wall and Kumbh Mela were advertised, but not delivered. In 1968 I was in Allahabad for the Mela and I was astonished by not only the multitudes, but the temporary structures, pontoon bridges and latrines in place. Also, there is a similar expansion in the gross number of pilgrims at all venues. I hope this is an indication that folks are indeed following their religion, seeking spirituality or, at least a vacation in a Holy place.

jayree said:

A member of my local camino chat group alerted me to this 18 min BBC program which you can listen to here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p023fdxk

"The Pilgrimage is one of the most popular and collective human activities, and continues to grow in size. Tens of millions of Hindus bathe in holy waters at the Kumbh Mela. Jews from around the world make their way to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Islam has the Hajj and Christians have walked the same paths for centuries. Others find themselves on a pilgrimage for very different reasons. Mike Williams finds out why."

Click to expand...

I can equate with things said here. Thanks for the link

I heard that program on a podcast - The Why Factor from BBC. The program on 25 July was The Walk. Looks like there was a "mini series" possibly as a nod to St James Day? Thank you, Jayree, for posting! I've been thinking of doing it - but...