Religion isn’t just about beliefs; it’s also about rituals, traditions, and customs that bring people together and add meaning to everyday life.
Across different cultures, people have found incredible ways to celebrate faith, express gratitude, and strengthen their communities. Whether it’s through music, food, or quiet moments of reflection, these customs show how deeply connected humanity really is. Here are some of the most beautiful religious traditions from around the world that are worth knowing about.
1. Diwali – the festival of lights (Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism)
Diwali is one of the most visually stunning celebrations in the world. Millions of homes are lit up with lamps, candles, and fireworks to symbolise the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Families come together to pray, exchange gifts, and enjoy feasts full of sweets and delicious food. It’s not just about celebration; it’s about renewal, fresh starts, and reminding yourself that even in the darkest times, light will always return. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something undeniably beautiful about that message.
2. The call to prayer (Islam)
Five times a day, millions of Muslims around the world pause what they’re doing to pray. Before each prayer, the Adhan (call to prayer) echoes from mosques, creating a moment of calm and reflection, no matter how busy life is. For many, hearing the call to prayer is a reminder to slow down, reconnect, and focus on something greater than daily stress. Given all the constant demands on our attention on a daily basis, taking moments to pause and reflect is a powerful practice.
3. Shabbat – the day of rest (Judaism)
In a world where everyone is constantly online, working, or rushing from one thing to another, Shabbat is a tradition that feels more important than ever. From Friday evening to Saturday evening, Jewish families put away their work, phones, and distractions to focus on rest, prayer, and time with loved ones. It’s about setting boundaries and intentionally creating space for what really matters. The idea that one day a week is sacred and reserved for reflection is something more people could probably benefit from.
4. Buddhist sand mandalas – art that teaches impermanence
In Tibetan Buddhism, monks spend days or even weeks creating intricate sand mandalas—only to destroy them once they’re finished. The designs are breathtakingly detailed, but they’re meant to remind people that nothing lasts forever. It’s a deeply symbolic practice that teaches the beauty of the present moment and the importance of letting go. It’s a reminder that nothing, good or bad, lasts forever, and that’s okay.
5. Holi – the festival of colours (Hinduism)
Holi isn’t just a religious festival, it’s a joyful explosion of colour, music, and togetherness. Celebrated in India and across the world, people throw brightly coloured powders at each other, dance in the streets, and forget about their differences for a day. It symbolises love, forgiveness, and the arrival of spring. It’s a time to let go of grudges, embrace happiness, and, quite literally, get covered in colour. Few traditions capture the pure joy of human connection like Holi.
6. The whirling dervishes (Sufism – Islamic mysticism)
In Turkey, members of the Mevlevi Order, a Sufi sect of Islam, perform a mesmerising spinning dance as a form of meditation and devotion. Known as the Whirling Dervishes, their slow, controlled spinning is meant to bring them closer to God. It’s not just a dance, it’s a spiritual journey. Watching it is hypnotic, and for those who practice it, it’s a way of achieving deep peace and connection to the universe.
7. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) – celebrating loved ones (Mexican Catholicism)
Unlike many cultures that see death as something sad, Día de los Muertos is about remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed away. Families build beautiful altars (ofrendas), filled with photos, candles, and the favourite foods of those they’ve lost. It’s a way to keep their memory alive, reminding everyone that love never really disappears—it just takes a different form. Instead of grief, it’s about joy, connection, and honouring the past in a meaningful way.
8. The sacredness of nature in Shintoism
Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, teaches that everything in nature, from mountains to rivers to ancient trees, has a spirit (kami). Because of this, many Shinto traditions focus on respecting and honouring nature. Given how many people take the environment for granted, this deep respect for the natural world is a beautiful and much-needed perspective.
9. Baptism – a symbol of renewal (Christianity)
For Christians, baptism is a deeply symbolic tradition. Whether it’s a baby being christened or an adult choosing to be baptised, it represents cleansing, rebirth, and a fresh start. Water is a universal symbol of purification, and in many ways, this ritual is about more than just religion; it’s about letting go of the past and stepping into a new chapter with intention.
10. Feeding monks in Thailand (Buddhism)
In many Buddhist communities in Thailand, monks walk through the streets early in the morning, and people offer them food as an act of generosity and respect. It’s a tradition that keeps communities connected and reminds people that giving is just as important as receiving. In a world where everyone is focused on getting ahead, this practice reinforces the idea that true wealth comes from sharing what you have with other people.
11. The Ramadan fast – self-control and reflection (Islam)
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a whole month, not just as a religious practice but as a way to develop patience, gratitude, and self-discipline. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, a meal shared with family and friends. It’s a time for reflection, generosity, and strengthening one’s connection to God. It also reminds people of what it means to go without, creating empathy for those who struggle with food insecurity every day.
12. Singing hymns and spiritual songs (Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism)
There’s something powerful about singing together as a form of worship. In churches, temples, and places of worship across different faiths, people lift their voices in song—not to perform, but to express devotion. Music has a way of bringing people together, creating a sense of unity and connection that goes beyond words. Whether it’s a church choir, Hindu bhajans, Buddhist chants, or Sikh kirtan, singing as a form of worship is one of the most universal and beautiful traditions.
13. Pilgrimages – journeys of faith
Many religions encourage believers to take pilgrimages — sacred journeys to places of deep spiritual meaning. Christians travel to Jerusalem, Muslims to Mecca, Hindus to the Ganges, Buddhists to Bodh Gaya — each journey is a personal act of devotion and reflection. Even in modern times, the idea of leaving behind daily life for a spiritual journey remains powerful. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from routine is the best way to reconnect with what truly matters.
