Dehradun, July 6 -- Recently a series of accidents of helicopters ferrying pilgrims to Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand raised alarm bells about the safety of passengers jeopardised by poor state management and corporate greed. But it also reflects the changing nature of the journey of the pilgrims more intent on making an air - dash to say 'hello' to the deities rather than endure a slow and meditative journey to have a proper 'darshan' of the gods. It is the physical immediacy of pilgrimage, the actual contact with the land and solidarity with fellow pilgrims that intensifies the experience of pilgrimage.
The concept of pilgrimages in the Hindu faith is conceived as all-embracing spirit of religion, tradition and eco-sensitivity. Himalay...