In the scorching heat of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, thousands of Hindus from Pakistan embark on a formidable 200-mile pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Devi temple located in remote Balochistan Province. For many, like Amar Faqira, this grueling trek is more than an act of devotion; it symbolizes a commitment to cultural preservation in a nation where they constitute a minority.
Amar's journey began as a pledge made last year when his three-year-old son faced a health crisis with little hope of recovery from doctors. In an act of desperation, Amar vowed to the goddess Hinglaj that he would undertake this arduous journey if his son regained strength. A year later, as his son improved, Amar felt compelled to fulfill his promise.
Setting off in late April with fellow pilgrims, Amar, adorned in saffron headscarves and carrying a ceremonial flag, joined vast numbers of devotees on the challenging trail that snaked through blistering plains and rocky terrain. As they walked, groups formed along sun-baked desert paths where men, women, and children persevered through extreme heat. Many bore idols representing the goddess Hinglaj, chanting the refrain, “Jai Mata Di,” or “Hail the Mother Goddess.”
Despite the pain, the pilgrims are united in their spiritual quest, demonstrating unwavering faith and resilience toward their beliefs, all while highlighting their rich cultural heritage in a predominantly Muslim country.
Amar's journey began as a pledge made last year when his three-year-old son faced a health crisis with little hope of recovery from doctors. In an act of desperation, Amar vowed to the goddess Hinglaj that he would undertake this arduous journey if his son regained strength. A year later, as his son improved, Amar felt compelled to fulfill his promise.
Setting off in late April with fellow pilgrims, Amar, adorned in saffron headscarves and carrying a ceremonial flag, joined vast numbers of devotees on the challenging trail that snaked through blistering plains and rocky terrain. As they walked, groups formed along sun-baked desert paths where men, women, and children persevered through extreme heat. Many bore idols representing the goddess Hinglaj, chanting the refrain, “Jai Mata Di,” or “Hail the Mother Goddess.”
Despite the pain, the pilgrims are united in their spiritual quest, demonstrating unwavering faith and resilience toward their beliefs, all while highlighting their rich cultural heritage in a predominantly Muslim country.
