Goa-based bikers Deepraj Raikar and Amey Naik have returned home safely after their much-awaited Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage was disrupted by the ongoing political unrest in Nepal.
The two riders, both passionate motorcyclists, began their journey from Goa on 5th September 2025, riding their Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 motorcycles. With months of preparation and years of anticipation behind them, the duo set their sights on the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Darshan—a dream that blends spirituality with adventure.
After crossing into Nepal on 8th September via the Rupadia border and reaching Nepalgunj, their journey took an unexpected turn. Violent protests, riots, and curfews broke out across the Indo-Nepal border city, turning the atmosphere tense and unsafe.
Faced with rapidly deteriorating conditions, Deepraj and Amey were left with no choice but to abandon their plans. Navigating through uncertainty, they managed to sneak back into India on 9th September, narrowly escaping the unrest.
Although their spiritual goal remains unfulfilled for now, the duo’s resilience and determination in the face of chaos stand as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of adventure travel.
Both riders remain hopeful of attempting the Kailash Mansarovar journey again in the future, when conditions allow for a safer passage.
The annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, has begun, marking the start of 10 days of devotion, prayer, and celebration. This sacred event, which attracts thousands of faithful devotees from across India and the world, is especially significant for the many pilgrims who journey from Goa each year.
The festivities began with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony, signaling the commencement of the religious celebrations. For the next nine days, the grounds of the Basilica will be filled with Novena prayers and Holy Masses as devotees come to seek blessings, express their gratitude, and strengthen their faith. Each year, pilgrims from all walks of life undertake this sacred journey, some traveling in large groups by packed trains, bound for Tamil Nadu. Among these are hundreds of devoted pilgrims from Goa, some of whom make this trip as part of a longstanding family tradition.
For Maria Fernandes, a pilgrim from Margao, the Vailankanni feast is more than just a religious event. “Coming to Vailankanni every year fills my heart with peace,” she says. “It’s not just about seeking blessings; it’s about feeling connected to Our Lady and sharing this faith with thousands of others.”
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” is renowned not only for its stunning architecture but also for the countless miracles reported by devotees. It has become a beacon of hope for those seeking healing, comfort, and divine intercession. The shrine is visited by pilgrims with a variety of petitions and thanksgiving offerings, each one seeking to deepen their connection with the divine.
The celebrations will culminate on September 8, with the Feast of the Nativity of Mary—one of the most significant days in the Marian liturgical calendar. On this day, special Holy Masses and solemn processions will take place, drawing even larger crowds to the Basilica. The streets of Vailankanni will come alive with prayers, hymns, and cultural programs, creating an atmosphere of devotion, unity, and joy.
Local authorities, along with church organizers, have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the massive influx of devotees, ensuring smooth transportation, safety, and accommodation throughout the feast period. For the pilgrims, this annual journey is not just about visiting a holy place but about renewing their faith, seeking blessings for their loved ones, and experiencing a deep sense of community.
As the feast continues until September 8, the Basilica of Vailankanni remains a powerful symbol of unwavering faith, drawing people together in prayer and gratitude. Vailankanni’s place as one of Asia’s most revered Marian shrines is firmly established, and the celebrations this year only reinforce its enduring spiritual significance.
Mina, Saudi Arabia – June 4, 2025: The annual five-day pilgrimage of Hajj has officially commenced, as millions of Muslims from around the world converge on the holy city of Mecca to take part in one of the most significant spiritual journeys in Islam.
Early this morning, pilgrims began their journey from Mecca to Mina, the first step in a sacred route that follows in the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him). As is tradition, the sprawling tent city of Mina, just a few kilometers outside Mecca, becomes the temporary home for the pilgrims — offering shelter, rest, and community as they prepare for the deeply symbolic and physically demanding rituals ahead.
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is mandatory once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. It is a journey not only of distance but of spiritual renewal, humility, and equality, as people from every race, nationality, and social class stand side by side, dressed in simple white garments known as ihram.
Over the course of five days, pilgrims will perform a series of rituals including:
Spending the night in Mina
Standing in prayer at the Plain of Arafat
Collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Muzdalifah
The Tawaf (circling) of the Kaaba
The ritual animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha
Each rite carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing submission to God, the rejection of sin, and the renewal of faith.
As one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, Hajj represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah (global community). In 2025, the event sees participation from nearly every continent — with pilgrims traveling from the far reaches of Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, the United States, and beyond.
Saudi authorities have implemented extensive logistical, medical, and safety preparations to accommodate and protect the millions of attendees, with modern facilities and tech-driven support systems to assist the pilgrims throughout their journey.
More than a physical trek, Hajj is viewed as a journey of the soul. It’s a time for repentance, prayer, and deep introspection. Pilgrims often describe it as a life-changing experience — one that strips away worldly distractions and connects them with their faith in a profound and personal way.
As the tent city of Mina fills and the rituals begin, the eyes of the Muslim world turn toward Mecca in reflection, reverence, and solidarity.
Sakshi Kurtarkar, ace dancer and the winner of India Banega Manch, embarked on a spiritual journey to Mahakumbh, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites. Accompanied by her parents, Sakshi took a sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam waters during the auspicious Shahi Panchami mahurat.
The Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge, is considered one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. Taking a dip in these waters during the Shahi Panchami mahurat is believed to be a spiritually cleansing experience. Sakshi, along with her parents, immersed themselves in the sacred waters, seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification.
The Shahi Panchami mahurat is a significant event during the Mahakumbh, marking the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. This auspicious timing is considered ideal for spiritual activities, including the sacred dip in the Triveni Sangam waters. Sakshi’s decision to take the dip during this mahurat reflects her deep respect for Hindu traditions and her desire for spiritual growth.
Sakshi’s parents accompanied her on this spiritual journey, making it a special family bonding experience. Together, they prayed, meditated, and sought blessings from the sacred waters. This shared experience strengthened their spiritual connection and created lifelong memories.
