Soul Attractions

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Kataragama, Sri Lanka 

A two-week July extravaganza draws pilgrims from all major religions to Kataragama, Sri Lanka1s holiest place, to seek spiritual reverie through fire-walking and other rituals. (The most penitent pierce themselves with iron hooks, then hang from scaffolds wheeled to the shrine of Skanda, the Hindu war deity.) But ecstasy isn't all. Local activists intent on protecting the sacred environment recently built a community center and brought antagonistic religious leaders together to forge a peace pact. Also hospitable is the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, which offers free insurance for festival-goers.

Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Embassy of Sri Lanka, 2148 Wyoming Av. NW, Washington, DC, 20008; phone 202/483-4025

The Hopi Path of Life, Arizona

The Hopi believe their mythical ancestors, the Kachinas, visit the earth for six months every year, bringing rain to grow corn and preserve the land and its people. While here, Kachinas are impersonated by male dancers wearing masks. In tribal rituals closed to the public, they dance, beginning in subterranean ceremonial chambers called kivas, and finally emerging from an opening at the top to bid the public farewell and return their masks to the spirits.

Hopi Cultural Center, Box 67, Second Mesa, AZ 86043; phone 602/734-2401

Shikoku Henro, Japan 

Addicts, beware: The path is the goal, so some pilgrims are unable to quit this pilgrimage honoring Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi. It1s a 900-mile clockwise trek connecting all 88 Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku; each supplies a red stamp, which pilgrims collect on the short white coats they wear. Since the 1600s, the Henro has attracted fervent masses who believe they walk with the saint at their side. At each day1s end, they wash the staff they carry, as if washing the dust of travel from Kobo Daishi's feet.

Shikoku Reijjokai, Anraku-ji, Hikino 26, Kamiita-cho, Tokushima-ken, Japan 771

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