Ekatmata Yatras

During the 1960s, the rise of Hindu nationalism in Indian politics resulted in several Hindu-supportive political parties and organizations growing in size and influence. One of these political parties was Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a right-wing organization which mobilized support for Hindu politicians and policies.[2] In 1983, VHP decided to organize a widespread series of political pilgrimages across India; these Yatras were intended to galvanize public support for causes that VHP supported. In particular, the pilgrimages were organized in such a way as to be Pan-Hindu, allowing members of all castes to participate;[1] this was in keeping with one of VHP's long-held opinions that the caste system should be suppressed.[1] The march was also focused around that idea that, by reigniting interest in Hindu religious rights, Hindus would be less susceptible to conversion attempts by Christians and Muslims.[1][3][4]

The first pilgrimage (later referred to as the First Ekatmata Yatra, translatable to "Pilgrimage of One Soulness"[1]) began in November 1983, and involved thousands of Hindus undertaking a pilgrimage to various holy sites.[1] The pilgrims formed three processions; one from Kathmandu to Rameshwaram, a second from Gangasagar to Somnath temple, and a third from Haridwar to Kanyakumari.[1] These three main pilgrim parties were supplemented by dozens of smaller groups, and carried relics and idols with them.[1] Many pilgrims carried water from the sacred Ganges river during the journey, and the columns of travelers often stopped at Hindu temples and holy sites to gather more sacred water.[1] All of the pilgrimage parties eventually congregated in Nagpur.[1] The event involved Hindus from Burma, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.[3][5]

The first of the Ekatmata Yatras was well-received by many practitioners of Hinduism, and as such the prestige of the VHP was increased.[3] Soon after the end of the marches, the organization was able to use the influence its high-profile pilgrimage had garnered to involve the organization in the ongoing Ayodhya dispute.[1][3] VHP organized the Second Ekatmata Yatra in 1995,[3] and the organization led two further pilgrimages (known as the 1996 Amarnath Yatra and the Baba Buddha Amarnath Yatra) in 1996 and 2005.[3]