A Psychological Perspective: Why Immediate Forgiveness Is Not Always the Best Solution

The Kawand pilgrimage continues for hundreds of kilometers, with the cry of 'Bol Bam' heard everywhere, from roads to social media videos. However, behind these viral clips lies the real picture of the Kawand pilgrimage. The article explores what conditions are provided for pilgrims, how the new generation is transforming this tradition, and the personal stories of these pilgrims.

During the peak season, a camp was organized for Kawand pilgrims at Yamuna Vihar in Delhi. Although people of all ages were present in the camp, there was a noticeable large number of young people. One pilgrim, who wore a mask depicting a ghost, told the interviewer: 'We are not from Jantr-Mantar. Do not call us Gen-Z.'

He continued, emphasizing that they do not follow Gen-Z trends, but independently carried 250 kilometers of water from the Ganges. He urged not to associate them with those who use Ola or Rapido for short distances. This pilgrim, despite being similar in age to Gen-Z, rejected the label, considering it not reflective of his identity.

Another pilgrim, Dhruv, supported him. He is 20 years old and was heading to Buradi, Delhi. He noted that he initially supported discussions about students but became disappointed when the conversation shifted to topics contrary to Hinduism and 'Sita's husband.'

However, another side of the issue was presented by Vivek, an 18-year-old resident of Nangloi. He participated in the pilgrimage carrying 51 liters of water and had previously visited Jantr-Mantar in support of CJP. Vivek stated: 'Faith is important, but supporting students is also necessary,' while working as an employee installing IGL pipes.

At the camp, they met Kartik, who is about 40 years old. He noted that the design of Kawand has changed: older models have given way to updated ones, particularly the 'Kalash Kawand' with larger vessels and more water, which has become a subject of competition among young pilgrims.

Kartik expressed concern about this trend, pointing out that many pilgrims carry too much water but abandon their Kawand on the way when they lose strength. He recounted seeing many abandoned Kawands near bushes and along roads, such as near a tea stall in Muzaffarnagar, where six such Kawands stood for three days.

Furthermore, Kartik mentioned the phenomenon of 'God thieves'—pilgrims who use rides from motorcycle or e-bike drivers instead of walking, covering most of the distance this way.

During the conversation, the pilgrims discussed the political situation, mentioning the difficulties for the party to win elections in Uttar Pradesh. Ajay, 28, from Najfargad, reported that there were very few facilities for pilgrims in Uttar Pradesh this year, and medical care was insufficient. He also raised the issue of stolen offerings and suggested that such a situation could create difficulties for the BJP party in the elections. Ajay showed a small piece of bandage bought for 200 rupees and mentioned that a plate of food cost 250 rupees.

When one pilgrim directly asked Ajay when he took the Kawand from Haridwar, Ajay replied July 24. Another pilgrim immediately pointed out the problem, explaining that if he had left around July 31, he would have received all the necessary facilities, as all needs were always met in Uttar Pradesh, and the organization in Delhi was also good.

The Administrative Executive Director of the Red Cross Casino in Cabo Verde, Jose Carlos Cunha, told the Lusa agency that the 'Street Vendor' model is part of the organization's strategy for expanding and modernizing its commercial network. The goal of this initiative is to bring games closer to people and reach new public spaces.

This new approach is not intended to replace existing points of sale, but rather to supplement and strengthen the distribution network of the Red Cross in Cabo Verde. Currently, the Red Cross has 112 agents, and more than 20 of them have expressed interest in joining the new format, according to Jose Carlos Cunha. Participation is open to agents already authorized by the institution.

Agents who agree to participate will receive proper accreditation and will be equipped with a tablet and a mobile printer, allowing them to conduct sales outside fixed locations. The official specified that such sales can take place 'anywhere. On all islands, on the football field, on the beach, anywhere.'

The new format will allow the sale of various organizational games, including Totoloto, Joker, and the National Lottery. According to Jose Carlos Cunha, another goal is to facilitate access to games for people who currently have fewer opportunities to reach sales points. He added that this initiative should also contribute to increasing revenue.

This new model integrates into the modernization process of CVCV Games, which began about two years ago. The Red Cross also plans to inform the public about the new model through an advertising campaign starting on Wednesday, which will include advertisements on buses and other prominent locations.

Jose Carlos Cunha emphasized that street selling cannot be done by just anyone, as only authorized agents can join this model. He stated: 'Not just anyone will sell the games. They must be accredited people.'

In May 2024, the organization also launched an online platform for betting on social games, including Totoloto. At that time, the President of the Red Cross in Cabo Verde noted that the institution, which has operated social games on the archipelago for over 40 years, 'should enter' the world of new technologies to 'strengthen its sustainability' and satisfy the long-held desire of players.

The Red Cross in Cabo Verde has been operating the National Lottery since 1977, and 20 years later, it was chosen to manage Totoloto and Joker. In 2020, the government of Cabo Verde granted the Red Cross the right to organize and operate all social games for 20 years.

A boat carrying 230 migrants set a new record for crossing the English Channel, surpassing the previous maximum of 165 people recorded in July.

A representative from the UK Ministry of the Interior stated that this case demonstrates 'reckless and dangerous tactics used by criminal groups who continue to endanger lives by gathering more and more people on unreliable vessels.'

Nevertheless, the total number of arrivals across the English Channel in 2026 has decreased compared to the same period last year: 14,819 illegal crossings were registered, which is 43% less than in 2025 and 16% less than in 2024.

In response to the aforementioned incident, Nigel Farage, leader of the populist right-wing party Reform UK, announced on the social network X that the vessel with 230 people was escorted to Dover (southeast England) that morning.

The leader of the anti-immigration party asserted: 'This is a record number for one vessel. It is further proof that this illegal invasion constitutes a national security emergency.'

Farage, whose party achieved significant success in local and regional elections in the UK in May, constantly focuses his rhetoric on combating immigration, which is currently a dominant topic in political debates in both the UK and the rest of Europe.