As summer fast approaches, thoughts of vacation planning and quick getaways may be filling your head. But before you opt for the typical beachside vacay, why not choose a destination that’ll feed your soul as well as quenching your thirst for travel?
These are 12 of the most transcendent, spiritual and soul-pleasing events from around the world that you should absolutely add to your spiritual bucket list.
1. Bhakti Fest
When: September
Where: California, USA
The Bhakti Fest has been running for over a decade with the same simple mission to celebrate the devotional paths of yoga, Kirtan (sacred music), and meditation. At the 5-day event, you can take yoga classes with the world’s best teachers, dance to sacred music and participate in a number of personal growth and self-improvement workshops. Attendees can even camp out beneath the stars each night!
2. Holi
When: March
Where: India
India’s Festival of Spring sees the whole country light up with color as people everywhere take to the streets, throwing vibrant powder as a celebration of the end of winter. If you’re planning to visit Asia, make sure you visit India or Nepal in May for this incredible Hindu festival.
3. Songkran
When: April
Where: Thailand
Much like India’a Holi festival, Songkran sees people throughout Thailand rejoice in the streets, soaking one another through with water! A celebration of the New Year, Songkran’s spiritual significance runs deeper than just being the world’s biggest water fight, though. In a combination of ancient Buddhist traditions and astrology, this festival is certainly one to visit if you want a deeply spiritual yet incredibly fun experience!
4. Burning Man
When: Late August/Early September
Where: Nevada, USA
This transformative music and art festival in the middle of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert describes itself as a community, rather than an event. The self-proclaimed “temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance” invites thousands of ‘citizens’ to join the crucible of creativity every year.
5. Glastonbury
When: June
Where: UK
This four day festival of music and art attracts visitors from all walks of life, young and old. While the main stage comes alive with the sounds of the big headline acts, the smaller stages and areas are playgrounds for culture, spirituality and art. But, Glastonbury sells out fast, so make sure you plan to get your tickets as soon as they go on sale!
6. Pagan Spirit Gathering
When: Summer Solstice Week
Where: Ohio, USA
PSG is one of America’s oldest and largest Nature Spirituality festivals. Originally created as a way for like-minded people to come together to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the Pagan Spirit Gathering has since grown into a large retreat filled with spiritual workshops, bonfires, drumming, fire-spinning and much more…
7. Festival of Faiths
When: April
Where: Kentucky, USA
According to the festival’s website, the mission of the event is to “to promote interfaith understanding, cooperation, and action through exploring how different participating faith traditions address a common issue, topic, or theme.” This four-day event is home to numerous workshops and keynotes by faith and spirituality-based experts from around the world.
8. Bali Spirit Festival
When: April
Where: Bali
If you ever needed an excuse to visit Bali, this might be it! With more than 500 sessions in yoga, dance, healing, breathwork, martial arts, sound, music and more, The Bali Spirit Festival is a must for anyone who wants to combine spiritual learnings with travel.
9. Envision Festival
When: February
Where: Uvita, Costa Rica
Running for over a decade, the Envision Festival is the original festival in the jungle! Their roots are firmly planted in their 8 main pillars – permaculture, spirituality, movement, art, music, community, health and radical acceptance – and their eco and community initiatives provide a strong theme which runs through the entire 7-day event.
10. Witchcamp
When: Various
Where: Various
Witchcamp gatherings take place all over the world at various times of the year. A celebration of witchcraft, paganism and reclaiming tradition, Witchcamps welcome beginners and veteran witches. Some of the most popular Witchcamps are The Winter Witchcamp in Minnesota and the intensive California Witchcamp.
11. Sunrise Celebration
When: August
Where: Herefordshire, UK
Described as “an ethical living, organic, arts and music festival”, The Sunrise Festival celebrates the Sun with a number of workshops and activities at (you guessed it) sunrise. With a number of different areas for the whole family to enjoy, this wonderful summer event has something for everyone.
12. Shambhala Music Festival
When: August
Where: British Columbia, Canada
This enchanting festival in the forest welcomes people from all walks of life. The Shambhala Festival combines music from big-name acts with yoga, workshops and art. Attendees are also encouraged to organize their own events within the festival too!
So, let us know in the comments below, have you been to any of these events or are any on your bucket list?