Final answer:
The Bol Bom Pilgrimage is a significant religious practice among Hindus, involving carrying water to a Shiva linga as an act of devotion. Its popularity surged in post-colonial India, reflecting the country's deep cultural and spiritual traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bol Bom Pilgrimage is a religious journey significant within the Hindu tradition, particularly among followers of the Indian god Murugan. It is characterized by a sacrificial offering and an endurance test where devotees carry water over a certain distance to pour on a Shiva linga, a representation of the god Shiva, usually at sacred sites. This act is part of the traditional acts of piety and reflects gratitude, possibly related to the belief of doomsday's postponement and the seeking of salvation.
Although not directly related to the mentioned Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, the pilgrimage shares a common essence of religious devotion with the historic site which is a part of India's diverse religious heritage. Following the British withdrawal from India in 1947, an era of reconstructing and acknowledging cultural identities began, enhancing the significance of such traditional practices.
The Bol Bom Pilgrimage, while a testament to religious fervor, also aligns with the surge in popularity of pilgrimages during post-colonial times when people sought spiritual renewal and affirmation of faith amidst significant social and political changes.