Eid ul-Adha & Hajj 2024: Spiritual Tourism and Global Unity

Spiritual Tourism: The Impact of Eid ul-Adha and Hajj 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 16, 2024

Eid ul-Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage stand as pillars of spiritual tourism, drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca and other significant locations for profound religious experiences. This year, Eid ul-Adha will be celebrated globally on June 16 or 17, 2024, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. This festival, known as the Feast of Sacrifice, honors Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, symbolizing themes of faith, sacrifice, and compassion.

In 2024, the celebration of Eid ul-Adha will vary slightly worldwide based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon. In Saudi Arabia and several other countries, the moon sighting will take place on June 6, 2024. If the moon is seen, Dhul Hijjah will start on June 7, and Eid ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 16. If not, Dhul Hijjah will begin on June 8, making Eid ul-Adha on June 17. In India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries, the moon sighting will occur on June 7, potentially placing Eid on June 17 or June 18, depending on visibility.

Eid ul-Adha significantly boosts global travel, especially as millions of Muslims undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam's five pillars. This pilgrimage not only reinforces religious bonds but also substantially impacts the economies of Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions. Hotels, airlines, and local businesses experience a considerable increase in activity during this period, highlighting the festival’s economic importance.

The essence of Eid ul-Adha extends beyond its religious observances, fostering a sense of global community and unity among Muslims as they gather to perform the qurbani, the ritual animal sacrifice, and share the meat with family, friends, and those in need. This act of sharing underscores the festival’s values of generosity and social solidarity. Additionally, the festival encourages charitable acts and brings together families and communities, boosting local economies through increased spending on food, clothing, and festivities.

As the festival approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare by purchasing new clothes, organizing feasts, and planning their participation in communal prayers. In many countries, special congregational prayers are held at mosques and open grounds, where the faithful come together to listen to sermons that emphasize the values of sacrifice and obedience to God. Traditional dishes and sweets, such as sheer khurma and seviyan, are prepared and enjoyed, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Eid ul-Adha also imparts profound moral and ethical teachings, reminding Muslims of the importance of faith, gratitude, and caring for others. The festival’s emphasis on sacrifice and sharing serves as a poignant reminder of the need for empathy and generosity in daily life. By encouraging acts of charity and fostering a sense of community, Eid ul-Adha helps to reinforce the core principles of Islam and promotes social cohesion.

In the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries, Muslim communities celebrate Eid ul-Adha with a blend of cultural traditions and local customs, often integrating public celebrations and community events. The festival provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding, as non-Muslims are often invited to join in the celebrations, furthering the spirit of inclusivity.

The three-day festival of sacrifice, known as Eid al-Adha, is observed on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls on the third day of the Hajj. It falls on June 16 of this year. After Eid al-Fitr, which commemorates the end of Ramadan, the month-long fast, Eid al-Adha is the second most important Muslim holiday. On this holiday, they slaughter sheep or cattle and distribute some of the meat to the poor.

In a communal sense, the Hajj brings Muslims from all walks of life together to perform religious rites and acts of worship at the same time and location. These Muslims come from a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many of them are left with a sense of equality, humility, and togetherness as a result.

Additionally, pilgrims bring their own requests, desires, and life experiences with them. In addition to fulfilling a pilgrim's religious duty, the Hajj is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime, profoundly spiritual event.

Muslim travelers intending to do the Hajj travel from all over the world arrive in Mecca in a pure ihram state. The ihram, which unites pilgrims from many origins, is a symbol of humility and spiritual focus. For men, this implies wearing only seamless white clothing, with the right shoulder always left uncovered and one piece wrapped around the waist and another over the left shoulder. Women can also dress in plain piece of clothing adhering to the Hijab rules and not covering their faces.

For several pilgrims, standing on the Arafat plain and praising God, pleading for forgiveness, and making supplications is the pinnacle of the Hajj experience spiritually. Other customs include "tawaf," which is the circling of the Kaaba in Mecca seven times in a counterclockwise direction.

In conclusion, Eid ul-Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage are not just religious events but powerful cultural phenomena that enhance spiritual tourism, support local economies, and strengthen community bonds. As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate, the impact of these events on both the individual and collective levels highlights their enduring significance and far-reaching benefits.

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.

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Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.