Pilgrimage calendar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.