Pilgrimage calendar

Fri, Jun 5, 2026

Atsuta Shrine· Japan · Shinto

The largest annual festival of Atsuta Jingu and the unofficial start of Nagoya's summer, combining Shinto rites with martial-arts demonstrations, towering kento-makiwara lantern pillars, and evening fireworks. Held on the fixed date of June 5.

Jun 14 – Fri, Jun 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia · Islam

The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory once in a lifetime for able Muslims; dates fall in Dhu al-Hijjah and shift earlier by ~11 days each Gregorian year.

Sun, Jun 21, 2026

Glastonbury Tor· United Kingdom

Contemporary pagan and pilgrim gatherings greet the solstice sunrise from Glastonbury Tor.

Sun, Jun 21, 2026

Stonehenge· United Kingdom

Managed open access to the stones for the solstice sunrise, drawing druids, pagans and visitors aligned with the heel-stone sightline.

Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Mausoleum of Imam Hussein, Karbala· Iraq · Islam

Ashura (10 Muharram) commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, drawing millions of mourners to his shrine for processions and remembrance. The Islamic lunar calendar shifts ~11 days earlier each year.

Mon, Jun 29, 2026

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City· Vatican City · Christianity

The patronal feast of Rome (Jun 29), honoring the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul. The Pope presides over Mass at St. Peter's and blesses the pallia for new metropolitan archbishops.

Jul 3 – Fri, Aug 28, 2026

Shri Amarnath Shiva Cave, Kashmir· India · Hinduism

The annual Himalayan pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave to worship the naturally forming ice lingam of Shiva, running through the month of Shravan and concluding on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). The dates shift annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Jul 9 – Fri, Jul 10, 2026

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Buddhism

A summer market at Senso-ji where around 120 stalls sell potted hozuki (Japanese lantern plants), coinciding with Shiman-rokusen-nichi, when a single visit on July 10 is believed to grant the merit of 46,000 days of worship. Held on the fixed dates July 9-10.

Sun, Jul 19, 2026

Fushimi Inari-taisha· Japan · Shinto

A midsummer lantern festival when thousands of lanterns across Mt. Inari are lit to illuminate the shrine paths at night. Held in mid-to-late July; the date varies slightly each year.

Mon, Jul 20, 2026

Miyajima Island· Japan · Shinto

Summer music-and-boat festival at Itsukushima Shrine; gilded boats carry court music (gagaku) across the bay at high tide. Date follows the lunar calendar.

Jul 24 – Fri, Aug 7, 2026

Kataragama Temple, Sri Lanka· Sri Lanka · Buddhism

A multi-faith festival honoring the deity Skanda/Murugan, drawing Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Vedda pilgrims, with nightly peraheras culminating in fire-walking and a dawn water-cutting ceremony. Set by the Esala full moon; dates shift annually.

Sat, Jul 25, 2026

Santiago de Compostela· Spain · Christianity

Patronal feast of Saint James the Great, the culmination of the Camino de Santiago; celebrated with the botafumeiro and processions at the cathedral.

Wed, Jul 29, 2026

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Buddhism

Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, delivered to his five disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath after his enlightenment, marked by teachings and processions at the Dhamekh Stupa. Observed on the Ashadha full moon; the date shifts annually.

Tue, Aug 4, 2026

Mausoleum of Imam Hussein, Karbala· Iraq · Islam

Arbaeen marks the 40th day of mourning after Ashura (20 Safar), drawing tens of millions who walk to the shrine of Imam Husayn in Karbala in one of the world's largest annual gatherings. The Islamic lunar calendar shifts ~11 days earlier each year.

Aug 5 – Thu, Aug 6, 2026

Basilica of the Virgin of Copacabana, Copacabana· Bolivia · Christianity

The principal festival honoring the Virgin of Copacabana, Patroness of Bolivia, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, with Aymara dancers, processions, and the blessing of vehicles blending Catholic and Andean traditions.

Thu, Aug 13, 2026

Israel · Judaism

A day of mourning and fasting commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples; observed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Date follows the Hebrew calendar.

Aug 14 – Sat, Aug 22, 2026

Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland· Ireland · Christianity

Nine days of reflection and prayer at Ireland's national Marian shrine (Aug 14-22), with guest speakers and a candlelight procession; the closing days include the apparition anniversary.

Sat, Aug 15, 2026

Christianity

Major Marian feast across the Catholic world, marked by pilgrimages and processions at Marian shrines and cathedrals.

Sat, Aug 15, 2026

Jasna Góra Monastery· Poland · Christianity

The largest annual gathering at Jasna Gora, when roughly 100,000 pilgrims, many on foot from across Poland, converge for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mon, Aug 17, 2026

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The Nagchandreshwar shrine atop the Mahakaleshwar temple opens to devotees only once a year, on Nag Panchami, for a 24-hour darshan of Shiva seated upon the serpent king. The date shifts annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Aug 18 – Fri, Aug 28, 2026

Sri Dalada Maligawa, Temple of the Tooth· Sri Lanka · Buddhism

One of the world's grandest Buddhist processions, honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic with nightly processions of caparisoned elephants, Kandyan dancers, and drummers, culminating in a water-cutting ceremony. Set by the Esala full moon; dates shift annually.

Fri, Aug 21, 2026

Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland· Ireland · Christianity

Commemorates the evening of 21 Aug 1879, when fifteen witnesses reported seeing Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist at the gable of the parish church.

Wed, Aug 26, 2026

Jasna Góra Monastery· Poland · Christianity

The principal feast of the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora (Aug 26), commemorating the icon's 1382 arrival at the monastery. Tens of thousands venerate Poland's holiest image.

Sep 15 – Wed, Sep 23, 2026

Venkateswara temple, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The grandest annual festival at Tirumala: a nine-day celebration of Lord Venkateswara with daily processions of the deity on different vahanas, the famous Garuda Seva, and the Rathotsavam chariot festival. The date shifts annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar (2026 falls in an extra lunar month, so it is observed twice).

Tue, Sep 22, 2026

Badrinath· India · Hinduism

A fair honoring Mata Murti, mother of Lord Badrinath, commemorating the descent of the Ganga. Celebrated on Bhadrapada Dwadashi in September; the date shifts annually with the Hindu calendar.

Sep 28 – Thu, Oct 1, 2026

Western Wall· Israel · Judaism

The mass Birkat Kohanim recited at the Western Wall during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, drawing tens of thousands and attended by Israel's Chief Rabbis. Hebrew calendar; the dates shift each year.

Tue, Sep 29, 2026

Mont-Saint-Michele· France · Christianity

Patronal feast of the archangel Michael, long associated with autumn pilgrimage to the abbey on the tidal island.

Mon, Oct 12, 2026

Aparecida, Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida· Brazil · Christianity

The feast of the Patroness of Brazil, a national public holiday, drawing massive crowds to the world's largest Marian shrine with Masses, processions, and devotions.

Tue, Oct 13, 2026

Fatima· Portugal · Christianity

Marks the final apparition of 13 Oct 1917, when a crowd of tens of thousands witnessed the reported Miracle of the Sun. With May 13, one of the two great annual pilgrimages to Fatima.

Oct 15 – Sat, Oct 17, 2026

Ise· Japan · Shinto

One of the three great festivals of Ise Jingu, offering the season's first newly harvested rice to the goddess Amaterasu in thanksgiving, with core rites at the Geku and Naiku on Oct 15-17.

Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026

Ise· Japan · Shinto

One of the three great festivals of Ise Jingu, offering the season's first newly harvested rice to the goddess Amaterasu in thanksgiving, with core rites at the Geku and Naiku on Oct 15-17.

Oct 17 – Mon, Oct 19, 2026

Ise· Japan · Shinto

One of the three great festivals of Ise Jingu, offering the season's first newly harvested rice to the goddess Amaterasu in thanksgiving, with core rites at the Geku and Naiku on Oct 15-17.

Oct 31 – Mon, Jul 24, 2028

Trimbakeshwar Jyotir Linga Shiva Temple, Trimbak, Maharashtra· India · Hinduism

The Simhastha Kumbh, held once every twelve years when Jupiter enters Leo, centers on sacred bathing at Kushavarta Kund. The 2027-28 Mela opens with the Dhwajarohan flag-hoisting on 31 Oct 2026; principal Shahi Snans fall in 2027-28. A twelve-yearly event, not annual.

Wed, Nov 11, 2026

Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand· India · Hinduism

The ceremonial closing of Kedarnath for winter, traditionally on Bhai Dooj after Diwali, when worship moves down to Ukhimath for six months. The date shifts annually with the Hindu calendar.

Sun, Nov 15, 2026

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The "Diwali of the gods" on the ghats of Varanasi; the riverfront steps are lit with lakhs of oil lamps on Kartik Purnima. Date is lunar.

Tue, Nov 24, 2026

Somnath Jyotir Linga Shiva Temple, Somnath, Gujarat· India · Hinduism

A fair on the full-moon day of Kartik with cultural programs, special Archana and a midnight Mahaarati; tradition holds the moon god takes his seat on the temple spire. The date shifts annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Tue, Nov 24, 2026

Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab· India · Sikhism

Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, observed on Kartik Purnima, with continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib and a 48-hour Akhand Path at the Golden Temple. Lunar; the date shifts each year.

Nov 29 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026

Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)· Japan · Shinto

During the tenth lunar month the deities of Japan are believed to gather at Izumo Taisha to deliberate human destinies and relationships; a week of solemn rites begins with the Kamimukae-sai welcoming ceremony. Lunar; the dates shift each year.

Thu, Dec 10, 2026

Madonna di Loreto· Italy · Christianity

The feast of the Translation of the Holy House (Dec 10), marking the traditional 1294 arrival of the house of the Virgin Mary in Loreto, centered on the Holy House within the basilica.

Dec 12 – Sun, Dec 13, 2026

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe· Mexico · Christianity

One of the world's largest religious pilgrimages, drawing an estimated 10-12 million people around Dec 12. Festivities begin the night before with an all-night vigil, Las Mananitas at midnight, indigenous dances, and torch-running pilgrims.

Jan 1 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Buddhism

Hatsumode is the first temple visit of the New Year; Senso-ji is one of Tokyo's most visited destinations, drawing millions over the first days of January. Held on the fixed dates January 1-3.

Thu, Jan 7, 2027

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela· Ethiopia · Christianity

Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas (Jan 7), after 43 days of Advent fasting. Tens of thousands of pilgrims fill the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela for an all-night procession through this 'New Jerusalem.'

Tue, Jan 19, 2027

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela· Ethiopia · Christianity

Ethiopia's celebration of Epiphany (Jan 19), commemorating the baptism of Christ, with processions of the tabots draped in embroidered cloth carried around the town amid chanting.

Tue, Feb 2, 2027

Basilica of the Virgin of Copacabana, Copacabana· Bolivia · Christianity

Copacabana's February feast of Our Lady of Candelaria (Feb 2), with music, traditional Andean dances, processions, and the blessing of newly purchased vehicles by the lakeshore.

Thu, Feb 11, 2027

Lourdes Sanctuary· France · Christianity

Annual feast commemorating the 1858 Marian apparitions; torchlight processions and the international pilgrimage season at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Wed, Feb 24, 2027

Thailand · Buddhism

Theravada Buddhist holy day commemorating a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 disciples; marked by candlelit circumambulation at temples. Date is lunar (full moon of the third month).

Sat, Mar 20, 2027

Chichen Itza· Mexico

At the spring and autumn equinoxes, late-afternoon light casts a serpent-shaped shadow descending the staircase of El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán).

Wed, Apr 14, 2027

Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab· India · Sikhism

Vaisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 and the spring harvest. At the Golden Temple it culminates a 48-hour Akhand Path with Nagar Kirtan processions and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Near-fixed in the solar Nanakshahi calendar (Apr 13-14).

Tue, Apr 20, 2027

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu· India · Hinduism

Madurai's grand temple festival celebrating the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, with vast processions through the city. Date is lunar (month of Chithirai).

Thu, May 13, 2027

Fatima· Portugal · Christianity

Largest annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima, marking the first 1917 apparition; candlelight processions on the 12th–13th.

May 15 – Sun, May 16, 2027

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Shinto

One of Tokyo's great Shintō festivals, centred on Asakusa Shrine beside Sensō-ji; mikoshi (portable shrine) processions over the third weekend of May.

Sun, May 23, 2027

Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, Bihar· India · Buddhism

Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha; observed with intensity at the Mahabodhi Temple where the enlightenment occurred. Date is lunar (full moon of Vaisakha).

Sat, Jun 5, 2027

Atsuta Shrine· Japan · Shinto

The largest annual festival of Atsuta Jingu and the unofficial start of Nagoya's summer, combining Shinto rites with martial-arts demonstrations, towering kento-makiwara lantern pillars, and evening fireworks. Held on the fixed date of June 5.

Jun 14 – Sat, Jun 19, 2027

Saudi Arabia · Islam

The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory once in a lifetime for able Muslims; dates fall in Dhu al-Hijjah and shift earlier by ~11 days each Gregorian year.

Mon, Jun 21, 2027

Glastonbury Tor· United Kingdom

Contemporary pagan and pilgrim gatherings greet the solstice sunrise from Glastonbury Tor.

Mon, Jun 21, 2027

Stonehenge· United Kingdom

Managed open access to the stones for the solstice sunrise, drawing druids, pagans and visitors aligned with the heel-stone sightline.

Tue, Jun 29, 2027

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City· Vatican City · Christianity

The patronal feast of Rome (Jun 29), honoring the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul. The Pope presides over Mass at St. Peter's and blesses the pallia for new metropolitan archbishops.

Jul 9 – Sat, Jul 10, 2027

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Buddhism

A summer market at Senso-ji where around 120 stalls sell potted hozuki (Japanese lantern plants), coinciding with Shiman-rokusen-nichi, when a single visit on July 10 is believed to grant the merit of 46,000 days of worship. Held on the fixed dates July 9-10.

Tue, Jul 20, 2027

Miyajima Island· Japan · Shinto

Summer music-and-boat festival at Itsukushima Shrine; gilded boats carry court music (gagaku) across the bay at high tide. Date follows the lunar calendar.

Sun, Jul 25, 2027

Santiago de Compostela· Spain · Christianity

Patronal feast of Saint James the Great, the culmination of the Camino de Santiago; celebrated with the botafumeiro and processions at the cathedral.

Aug 5 – Fri, Aug 6, 2027

Basilica of the Virgin of Copacabana, Copacabana· Bolivia · Christianity

The principal festival honoring the Virgin of Copacabana, Patroness of Bolivia, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, with Aymara dancers, processions, and the blessing of vehicles blending Catholic and Andean traditions.

Fri, Aug 13, 2027

Israel · Judaism

A day of mourning and fasting commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples; observed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Date follows the Hebrew calendar.

Aug 14 – Sun, Aug 22, 2027

Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland· Ireland · Christianity

Nine days of reflection and prayer at Ireland's national Marian shrine (Aug 14-22), with guest speakers and a candlelight procession; the closing days include the apparition anniversary.

Sun, Aug 15, 2027

Christianity

Major Marian feast across the Catholic world, marked by pilgrimages and processions at Marian shrines and cathedrals.

Sun, Aug 15, 2027

Jasna Góra Monastery· Poland · Christianity

The largest annual gathering at Jasna Gora, when roughly 100,000 pilgrims, many on foot from across Poland, converge for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sat, Aug 21, 2027

Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland· Ireland · Christianity

Commemorates the evening of 21 Aug 1879, when fifteen witnesses reported seeing Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist at the gable of the parish church.

Thu, Aug 26, 2027

Jasna Góra Monastery· Poland · Christianity

The principal feast of the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora (Aug 26), commemorating the icon's 1382 arrival at the monastery. Tens of thousands venerate Poland's holiest image.

Wed, Sep 29, 2027

Mont-Saint-Michele· France · Christianity

Patronal feast of the archangel Michael, long associated with autumn pilgrimage to the abbey on the tidal island.

Tue, Oct 12, 2027

Aparecida, Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida· Brazil · Christianity

The feast of the Patroness of Brazil, a national public holiday, drawing massive crowds to the world's largest Marian shrine with Masses, processions, and devotions.

Wed, Oct 13, 2027

Fatima· Portugal · Christianity

Marks the final apparition of 13 Oct 1917, when a crowd of tens of thousands witnessed the reported Miracle of the Sun. With May 13, one of the two great annual pilgrimages to Fatima.

Oct 15 – Sun, Oct 17, 2027

Ise· Japan · Shinto

One of the three great festivals of Ise Jingu, offering the season's first newly harvested rice to the goddess Amaterasu in thanksgiving, with core rites at the Geku and Naiku on Oct 15-17.

Oct 16 – Mon, Oct 18, 2027

Ise· Japan · Shinto

One of the three great festivals of Ise Jingu, offering the season's first newly harvested rice to the goddess Amaterasu in thanksgiving, with core rites at the Geku and Naiku on Oct 15-17.

Oct 17 – Tue, Oct 19, 2027

Ise· Japan · Shinto

One of the three great festivals of Ise Jingu, offering the season's first newly harvested rice to the goddess Amaterasu in thanksgiving, with core rites at the Geku and Naiku on Oct 15-17.

Mon, Nov 15, 2027

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The "Diwali of the gods" on the ghats of Varanasi; the riverfront steps are lit with lakhs of oil lamps on Kartik Purnima. Date is lunar.