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Rituals to absolve sins

a photo gallery

Guilt (Issue II/2019)

  • At the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious pilgrimage festival in the world, everything revolves around washing away sins. Sadhus, orange-clad Hindu monks and ascetics, lead the processions to the riverbank ablutions. Photo: Sanjay Kanoji/ AFP/ Getty Images

    At the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious pilgrimage festival in the world, everything revolves around washing away sins. Sadhus, orange-clad Hindu monks and ascetics, lead the processions to the riverbank ablutions. Photo: Sanjay Kanoji/ AFP/ Getty Images

  • In Islam, the pilgrimage to Mecca, the so-called Hajj, is key, and all those who undertake it are forgiven for their sins. The faithful gather in the Holy Mosque around the "Kaaba". Photo: Bandar Aldandani/ AFP/ Getty Images

    In Islam, the pilgrimage to Mecca, the so-called Hajj, is key, and all those who undertake it are forgiven for their sins. The faithful gather in the Holy Mosque around the "Kaaba". Photo: Bandar Aldandani/ AFP/ Getty Images

  • The day before Yom Kippur, the Day of Reconciliation, orthodox Jews in Israel practice kapparot, where you swing a chicken three times over your own head and pass all your personal sins on to the animal. Photo: Menahem Kahana/ AFP/ Getty Images

    The day before Yom Kippur, the Day of Reconciliation, orthodox Jews in Israel practice kapparot, where you swing a chicken three times over your own head and pass all your personal sins on to the animal. Photo: Menahem Kahana/ AFP/ Getty Images


All world religions tackle responsibility and repentance; people ask for forgiveness daily by confessing or going on pilgrimages

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