Introduction

The three religions mentioned in the title of the book Christianity, Judaism and Islam are analysed, along with the substitute for religion which is evident in many pilgrimages and has perhaps been introduced into almost all of those carried out in Europe, such as in the case of green pilgrimage', with its highly pacifist element, although this viewpoint, as in any pilgrimage, may not be perceived the same way by those on the receiving end of the pilgrims. With respect to Jewish pilgrimages, Norman Solomon admits himself that this study led him into relatively virgin territory. John Eade analyses the case of British pilgrimages, from the angle of multiculturalism. Rana Singh, an author who during the last 30 years has published extensively on Banaras and its vicinity, in fact, more than anybody else, takes an in-depth look at mixed Hindu and Muslim pilgrimages in Banaras.