The Practice of Religious Tourism Pilgrimage to Walisongo Among Nahdlatul Ulama Communities in the Digital Age

Abstract

The phenomenon of pilgrimage to the tombs of the Walisongo among the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) community reflects not only a spiritual journey but also complex social practices in the context of modern culture, economy, and technology. This tradition demonstrates how religious rituals are practiced within a dynamic social framework, while also serving as a venue for community interaction. This study aims to explore the transformation of the Walisongo pilgrimage practice in the digital age and examine how such activities strengthen social solidarity and cultural identity among the NU community. Using a qualitative approach, this study is grounded in Pierre Bourdieu's theory of social practice, focusing on the concepts of habitus, social capital, and cultural capital as analytical lenses. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentary reviews. The research findings indicate that digitalization, particularly through social media, has altered how communities interpret and perform pilgrimage. Spiritual experiences are now often shared publicly, shifting pilgrimage into a component of religious identity construction in the public sphere. However, this change does not diminish the spiritual and social values inherent in the practice. On the contrary, pilgrimage practices remain a means of preserving local Islamic culture, strengthening social networks, and serving as an accessible religious alternative. This study reveals that despite modernization, the pilgrimage practices of the Walisongo remain relevant and adaptive in addressing contemporary challenges, making them a living manifestation of both religious and cultural expression within modern society.