Being a Kalpwasi: Pilgrimage and Identity on the Banks of the Ganga1

Nick Hopkins; Steve D. Reicher; Narayanan Srinivasan

doi:10.4324/9781003461302-13

Being a Kalpwasi: Pilgrimage and Identity on the Banks of the Ganga¹

Nick Hopkins, Steve D. Reicher, Narayanan Srinivasan

Psychology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

This chapter presents the findings of a research program focused on the lived experiences of pilgrims undertaking Kalpvas during the Prayag Magh Mela (a culturally distinctive mass gathering event which involves living on the banks of the holy Ganga at Allahabad). The research focused on the experience of a shared social identity among Kalpwasis and how this impacted their social relations with each other (e.g., their ability to coordinate the enactment of culturally specific values and beliefs). The analysis of this culturally specific pilgrimage illustrates the importance of bringing culture to the center stage of social psychological studies.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Social Psychology in a Globalizing Era
Subtitle of host publication	Engaging with Disciplinary and Societal Challenges
Editors	Girishwar Misra, Purnima Singh
Publisher	Taylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages	147-164
Number of pages	18
ISBN (Electronic)	9781040328835, 9781003461302
ISBN (Print)	9781032573052, 9781032609645
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003461302-13
Publication status	Published - 18 Mar 2025

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Medicine
General Psychology
General Social Sciences

Access to Document

10.4324/9781003461302-13

Embargoed Document

Author Accepted Manuscript
Accepted author manuscript, 383 KB
Licence: CC BY-NC-ND
Embargo ends: 18/09/26

Cite this

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title = "Being a Kalpwasi: Pilgrimage and Identity on the Banks of the Ganga1",

abstract = "This chapter presents the findings of a research program focused on the lived experiences of pilgrims undertaking Kalpvas during the Prayag Magh Mela (a culturally distinctive mass gathering event which involves living on the banks of the holy Ganga at Allahabad). The research focused on the experience of a shared social identity among Kalpwasis and how this impacted their social relations with each other (e.g., their ability to coordinate the enactment of culturally specific values and beliefs). The analysis of this culturally specific pilgrimage illustrates the importance of bringing culture to the center stage of social psychological studies.",

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Being a Kalpwasi: Pilgrimage and Identity on the Banks of the Ganga¹. / Hopkins, Nick; Reicher, Steve D.; Srinivasan, Narayanan.
Social Psychology in a Globalizing Era: Engaging with Disciplinary and Societal Challenges. ed. / Girishwar Misra; Purnima Singh. Taylor and Francis - Balkema, 2025. p. 147-164.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

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