Department of Comparative Religion
Subject: Hindu pilgrimage in the Indian sub-continent.
Advisor: Prof. Brouria Bitton-Ashkelony
Abstract: Once every 12 years thousands of Hindu pilgrims go on a 280 km walking pilgrimage in the district of Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand following the footsteps of the goddess Nanda devi in her journey from her maternal home towards the adobe of her newly wedded husband- Shiva, in mount Kailash. The pilgrimage is characterized by a distinct local culture and folklore and at the same time is part of a wider ancient pilgrimage tradition found in Indian sub-continent. The pilgrimage is distinct by its length, rough terrain and for being performed by walking pilgrims bare-footed. In my thesis I wish to research the element of hardship and suffering found in the walking pilgrimage and understand its relationship with the figure of the ascetic who is found in the Indian culture since the dawn of its’ days. Methodologically, I will rely on ethnographic field work while participating in the walking pilgrimage itself, using diverse mediums, including photography and videography.
MA Honoros 2024/25