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.

Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.

At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.

In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.

Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.

Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.

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From Summit Selfies to Stadium Seats: Father’s Day Travel Trends Redefining Family Getaways

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

Father’s Day in India is increasingly being redefined by experiences rather than material gifts, as families choose to celebrate through travel, shared adventures, and meaningful time together. Insights from travel companies such as Thomas Cook India Limited and SOTC Travel highlight a clear shift toward experiential getaways that bring fathers and families closer through curated journeys.

Adventure travel continues to be a strong favourite, with families heading outdoors for trekking experiences that combine physical activity with bonding moments. Destinations like the Valley of Flowers, Kashmir’s alpine meadows, Coorg’s coffee trails, and Meghalaya’s living root bridges are among the most sought-after choices, alongside international hiking routes in Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan.

Road trips remain equally popular, driven by nostalgia and spontaneity. From Ladakh’s high-altitude highways to Rajasthan’s heritage circuits and coastal drives through Karnataka, families are embracing the journey as much as the destination. International scenic routes across Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand are also gaining traction for Father’s Day getaways.

Sporting experiences are emerging as a key travel driver, with families planning trips around live events such as cricket matches, Formula 1 races in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and football fixtures across Europe. These experiences are increasingly seen as bucket-list moments shared across generations.

Wildlife safaris continue to attract families seeking immersive, nature-driven holidays. Parks such as Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kabini, Gir, and Kaziranga remain top domestic choices, while Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are popular international alternatives offering rich biodiversity and unique wildlife encounters.

Multi-generational travel is another growing trend, with families choosing destinations that cater to all age groups. From Kerala’s backwaters and Rajasthan’s heritage stays to international favourites like Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland, these trips are designed to bring grandparents, parents, and children together in shared celebration.

Wellness-focused travel is also gaining momentum, with families opting for slower, restorative breaks in destinations like Kerala, Goa, and Bali. Ayurveda retreats, spa resorts, and forest escapes are becoming preferred ways to help fathers unwind and reset.

Short-haul international escapes continue to appeal to families seeking quick but enriching holidays, with destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Mauritius offering a balance of accessibility and experience.

A growing trend within Father’s Day travel is passion-led holidays, where trips are designed around a father’s interests from golf and photography to culinary trails, cycling expeditions, and heritage journeys.

Overall, Father’s Day travel reflects a broader cultural shift: experiences are replacing gifts as families prioritise connection, shared memories, and meaningful time together over traditional celebrations