India is a land of faith. Cited as the birthplace of several major ancient religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, the country’s astonishingly diverse culture is grounded in spiritual tradition. Daily practices are performed in temples to honour deities, special occasions are conducted at auspicious times and colourful annual festivals are celebrated to incite good fortune.
There are many ways for tourists to explore spirituality in India. Whether you want to see the sites or turn your focus inward, discover the essential experiences for your India itinerary.
Sacred sites
From incredible temples to pilgrimage routes, sacred sites in India are as diverse as its culture. History enthusiasts should consider escorted tours to India led by expert guides to delve deeply into the heritage of these places and how they came to be of such spiritual importance.
One of the most notable is Varanasi, a city on the banks of the Ganges in northeast India. Considered the most important site in Hinduism, the streets are lined with over 2,000 temples and devotees from across the world come to bathe in the waters and perform funeral rites for family.
To the west is the regal state of Rajasthan which boasts several elaborately carved Jain temples and the remains of Buddhist monasteries in addition to its awe-inspiring palaces and forts. Here you can visit the iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum at sunrise or sunset, and experience which cannot help but captivate the soul.
Yoga retreats
Millions of people worldwide from all walks of life practice yoga, as exercise but also for the infinite sense of inner peace it can generate. However, many are unaware of its religious roots. Yoga originated in northern India over 5,000 years ago, developed by sages who wrote scripture, and remains a major Hindu philosophy and influence on Buddhist meditation practices.
Stay at yoga retreats with experienced teachers for first-hand insights into this ancient spiritual art. You can choose between back-to-basics retreats with simple living spaces and food and luxury wellness resorts with world-class facilities offering complementary treatments such as authentic Ayurvedic massages.
Unique festivals
As multiple faiths are entwined in the fabric of Indian culture, it’s not surprising that there’s a festival for every month of the year. Whenever you’re visiting, you can feature these special spiritual celebrations in your itinerary.
Diwali, the autumnal festival of light, and the vibrant Holi celebration which welcomes spring – both representing good triumphing over evil – are the most well-known. From Assam to Kerala, harvest festivals are held throughout the year featuring traditional attire and bold processions. In Punjab, each November the birth of the first Sikh Guru is celebrated in style with various performances from reading and songs to gatka exhibitions, a local martial art.
