Pilgrimages

Pilgrimages are journeys to sacred places undertaken for religious devotion, repentance, or spiritual fulfillment. They are voluntary or vow-based, and may involve rites such as prayer, fasting, offerings, or ritual bathing. The destination is typically linked to a sacred event, figure, or location; the journey itself is often seen as a test of faith, discipline, or devotion.

Many religious traditions include pilgrimage as a key practice. In Islam, Hajj is a mandatory obligation for those who are able, performed annually in Mecca; Umrah can be undertaken at other times. Hinduism features trips to temples and sacred rivers, such as Varanasi and other sacred river sites; Jains and Buddhists also undertake journeys to places associated with exemplary teachers. Christianity has historic pilgrimage sites like Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, and Lourdes. Judaism observes pilgrimages during certain festivals to the Temple in Jerusalem historically. Sikhism has the spiritual journeys to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. These journeys often require preparation, may be undertaken on foot or by other means, and can last days or weeks.

Motivations vary: devotion, penance, gratitude, seeking healing or enlightenment, or fulfilling vows. Practices commonly include ritual cleansing, scripted prayers, processions, offerings, and time in sacred spaces. Pilgrims may travel alone or in groups and often rely on guides, shelters, and community networks.

In the modern era, pilgrimages continue to attract millions and encompass both traditional religious routes and secular or virtual forms. Infrastructure, safety, and inclusivity have become considerations as routes adapt to tourism, while the symbolic meanings of pilgrimage persist as expressions of faith, identity, and cultural heritage.