EVERYDAY RELIGION IN PAKISTAN: SIKH PILGRIMAGE AND CREATING NEW RELIGIOUS BOUNDARIES

Abstract

Religion and pilgrimage have a deep and complex relationship that ties together historical context, spiritual quest, and cultural adventures. Pilgrims from across the globe travel to holy places, ancient temples, renowned shrines, and recognized landmarks in an effort to experience the architectural wonders and the spiritual essence of various belief systems. These pilgrimages and cultural voyages support regional economies while it also fosters interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and a greater awareness of the common human legacy that unites all religions and civilizations at one point. In case of Pakistan, its rich tapestry of religious tourism serves as a vivid example of the complex relationship between travel and religion in the country. A variety of reverent locations, each containing a tale of history and spirituality, are scattered across the country. The sacred lands of Kartarpur, draws Sikh devotees from many countries together on a profound spiritual experience. Simultaneously many of the Hindu temples scattered across Pakistan’s different province like Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attract a large number of Hindu pilgrims. This research looks into the pilgrims and travellers passing through and visiting these areas of religious importance engage in a conscious and an unconscious discourse that promotes understanding, harmony, making of identities, celebrating the variety, and bringing people together in search of a common pursuit of human knowledge and respect for each other within these religious encounters.