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Kingdom of Bhutan
Photo: andbeyond
Bhutan – the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, a small, gentle nation nestled between India and Tibet, right next to the Himalayas. It is the only remaining Buddhist kingdom in the world. While still relatively unknown to many, for those who have visited, it is nothing short of paradise on earth. The most amazing pilgrimage to Bhutan is hiking through the majestic mountain ranges to reach the sacred Taktsang Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff high above the ground.
Rome
Photo: theromepilgrimage
The Vatican is considered the center of power of the Catholic Church, wielding significant influence over Catholics worldwide. For many Christians, one of the must-do things in life is to visit the Vatican to see the Pope in St. Peter's Square.
In addition, pilgrims visiting Rome, Italy, often visit seven churches. One of the most famous stops is St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Myanmar
Photo: myanmargreatestlight
Myanmar, or Burma, is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhist devotees, a country of temples and religious sites and a spiritual world expressed through the power of its spiritual values. For a long time, this country has been a favorite pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Most notable is the Shwedagon Pagoda complex, considered one of the wonders of religion. Shwedagon is most beautiful at sunset; the pagoda's beauty against the sky, along with the sound of bells and the rising smoke of incense, creates a surreal and magical scene.
Older brother
Photo: CTSCatholiccompass
This is a traditional annual pilgrimage for Catholics from all over Norfolk, England. The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham was founded around the 11th century. Since then, millions have flocked here because of the house that Richeldis de Faverches built based on a dream about the Virgin Mary. Although the house was destroyed in 1539, approximately 300,000 people still make the pilgrimage here every year.
Portugal
Photo: jornaldoluxemburgo
Fatima is a small village about 70 miles from Lisbon, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three children: Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta de Marto. A pilgrimage to Fatima offers mystical stories of this holy land, where over 4 million Catholic faithful come annually to give thanks and pray to the Virgin Mary, especially on the 13th of each month. The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima amazes visitors with its sparkling neoclassical beauty, both inside and out. 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's apparitions at the Fatima sanctuary.
India
Photo: LATimes
India, one of the cradles of human civilization, is the birthplace of Buddhism. The land of four sacred sites and a World Heritage site constantly inspires pilgrims from around the world to yearn to visit it. Bodh Gaya, or Bodh Gaya, located in the state of Bihar, India, is considered the most sacred place by Buddhists because it is where the Buddha attained enlightenment. This site is currently home to the Mahabodhi Temple, with its 55-meter-high pagoda.
Israel
Israel is a multicultural country, a blend of modernity and tradition, a prosperous nation situated in the desert. When traveling on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, visitors must adhere to certain regulations, such as: no wearing shorts, no public displays of affection between men and women, and women not exposing their legs, arms, or hair. In particular, the country is home to the Western Wall – part of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem – the holiest site for Jews. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony, for young men reaching the age of obedience to Jewish law, is frequently held there. Pilgrims also write their wishes on paper and slip them into the wall crevices (separate areas are designated for men and women).
Ngoc Anh (TH)
