Religious Travel

By Rabiul Biplob/Converged Citizen Staff

Religion plays an important role in the lives of many and influences day to day activities.

For Buddhists and Hindus, that sacred place is in India. Thousands visit the Banaras from all over the world seeking to connect with their creator or God. Christians have Vatican City and places like Lourdes. Jews can go to Israel and Jordan while Muslims have Saudi Arabia and Mecca where they perform their Hajj. The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.

There are many reasons why people visit those holy places and spend so much money they could spend in other ways. Salwa Bazzi of Falcon Travel said that it takes about $7,000 to $10,000 per person to carry out Hajj for those who want to go from Windsor. Umrah Hajj costs about $3,000 per person. Pilgrims from all over the world visit Mecca to perform their Hajj.

Mohammed Wares Khan, who performed Hajj with his wife, is happy that he could visit the sacred place. For many people it’s the dream of lifetime.

“I would love to visit again if I get the opportunity,” said Khan

Banaras of India is the sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Hindus bathe in the Ganges river to purify themselves. Buddhists believe that this is the place where Buddha started his preaching. Known as the spiritual capital of India, pilgrims from all over India and the world visit to connect with their creator or god.

Many spend their hard-earned money to get something from being there. Most are not asking for proof of whether there is a god or not or is there is any life after death.

“As a Muslim, I believe there is a life after death and I will meet with my creator and I have to face the judgement day,” said Khan.