Gatherings are a great way to bring together people who share a common view, belief, or just enjoy the same thing. Many gatherings are for either social or festivity reasons however many of the largest gatherings that happen are due to religion and culture.  A few very well-known countries host some of the largest re-occurring events recorded. Many countries however host many large gatherings for multiple reasons. These gatherings are still ongoing and are really fascinating.

Saudi Arabia, Hajj

Hajj is one of the largest international gatherings in the world, over two to three million Muslims of all ethnicities and walks of life join together in the city of Mecca. Hajj is a religiously Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Mecca’s significance is important in this pilgrimage as it is seen as holy land. Within Mecca lies the Holy Kaaba, a four-walled cube building that is believed to be a worldly version of the Baitul Ma’mur (‘Frequent House’), this is situated in the highest heaven which is the seventh.

During the Hajj Muslims from every corner of the globe visit Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. If you are thinking what is Hajj, then we have the answer for you. Hajj pilgrimage where Muslims perform a series of re-enactments of the Prophet Abraham and Worship to God. Hajj is the fifth pillar of the five pillars of Islam, every Muslim is encouraged to perform Hajj if it is within their means.

Performing of the Hajj allows Muslims to experience and honor the events in the life of Prophet Abraham. This pilgrimage is a sacred journey that is highly blessed by God, Muslims use this opportunity to repent for their sins and improve their belief and spirituality.

Hajj is a yearly gathering and is widely known for its accumulation of a huge amount of people in one place.

Spain, Festival of San Fermin

This public gathering in Spain lasts a week, it is a festival that brings many from across Spain together. The festival of San Fermin is a deeply rooted historical and cultural celebration, it takes place in the city of Pamplona, Navarre that is in the northern part of Spain. Pulling in a usual crowd of 1.45 million people and more.

Outside of Spain, the festival is known as ‘The Running of the Bulls’, the title is pretty self-explanatory. San Fermin is the biggest and most popular of the bull-running events. The history of this festival comes from a story of butcher apprentices, they had found it more better and efficient to run in front of the bulls instead of behind to transport them to the bullring.

From this it has turned into a competitive form of entertainment, however, those who compete should be careful. Running in front of bulls is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatalities, those who compete, have usually trained for years and are doing it to honor their Spanish heritage. Anyone can get involved however but you must be careful and respectful.

India, Kumbh Mela

India is the home country of the religion of Hinduism, and this is where the largest gathering of people takes place. Hindus from across India and the globe travel to India to embark on this holy pilgrimage. This pilgrimage is estimated to take place every twelve years, to honor and celebrate the revolutions of Brihaspati (Guru).

Allahabad (Prayagraj) is the main location where the pilgrimage of Kumbh Mela takes place. This religious pilgrimage/festival welcomes over 110 million people. This city is located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where pilgrims are able to access the rivers of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati, all at one point. The practice of bathing in these rivers, is believed by Hindus to contain four drops of immortal honey that the Devtas dropped.

Hindus pray and wash themselves to remove their sins, all in hopes to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Moksha.

Have you attended any large special gatherings?

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